Following our successful Championship winning season and promotion in 2025 the First Eleven begin 2026 with optimism and anticipation that we can consolidate our position in the top tier as well as progressing deep in cup competitions.
Phill Bell begins his second season leading the side which sees a number of changes to the playing squad. An early agreement was reached with our new Overseas player, David Christie. Dave who is based in Western Cape and a graduate of the prestigious Stellenbosch University playing for Maties Cricket, is a hard hitting top order batter who bowls useful seamers and has recently made his one day professional debut for Northern Cape Heat in the CSA cup.
Also joining to lead our seam attack is Mark ‘Harpo’ Watson who moves from Ropery Lane for 2026. Kiwi Ben Cant (ex Newcastle CC pro), who is now locally qualified and Sam Dinning (ex South North, Tynemouth, Eppleton and Burnopfield) arrive with NEPL experience whilst we are also pleased to welcome wicket keeper/batsman Toby Barton, a member of the Durham UCCE squad. Toby will cover for Rory Mustard for the early part of the season, as Rory continues his studies and cricketing education in the Midlands. Finally Olly Spedding who has National Counties experience with Cumberland, will also be available for the Hill for first part of the season. We are also delighted to have Sam Martin-Jenkins back for the early part of the season.
As well as the formentioned first teamers, we have recruited Aaryan Wagh from Bates Cottages CC, brothers Inayatullah and Nazif Habibi who have moved to the area from Birmingham, plus groundsmanMark Charlton who will all bolster the playing numbers throughout all teams, whilst we are delighted to welcome back Ben Mussett who returns to the area after a year in Australia.
Joe Fletcher (taking over from Peter Jones) will lead the Second Eleven for the first time and is hopeful that his young side with one or two experienced hands (including vice captain Peter Jones) will make its mark in both at the top end of the League and in Cups.
Chris Pounder is once again at the helm of the 3rd Eleven this year assisted by the experience and quality of James Walder and they are looking upwards towards a potential promotion push from Division 5 West of the NTCL.
The Academy side,once again ably led by Matty Hynd, will continue to provide competitive cricket on a Sunday enabling our junior cohort the opportunity to develop and progress their skills in the longer form of the game and they remain key to the future of the club.
As mentioned Rory Mustard will miss the first part of the season through his school commitments at Retford School and we look forward to his return for the second half of the season whilst Pete Halliday is taking an early season sabbatical from the game. Callum Harding has left the club to join Burnmoor and we wish him well in the future (but not the opening weekend). Rohaan Aatif and Safi Bhuiyan have also departed and again we wish them good luck at their new club.
