As the 2025 season is almost upon us a new challenge faces the 1st XI as we look to bounce back with promotion at the first time of asking following last seasons disappointing relegation. It is all change at the top with Pete Halliday, who will have a more prominent playing role, taking the decision to stand down as captain with Phil Nicholson returning ‘home’ as Head of Senior Cricket to oversee all facets of the game across the senior sides and Phill Bell taking over the Captaincy reigns. Max Williamson continues his valuable supporting role as Vice Captain.
The playing squad has also seen a major overhaul as Haydon Mustard (Shotley Bridge), Joe Anderson (Corbridge) and Will Archbold (Stocksfield) have decided to play their cricket elsewhere in 2025 whilst Rory Hanley has moved down South with work, finally Luke Mussett is spending 12 months Down Under. However, we have recruited well during the winter giving the squad a balanced look for the challenge ahead with a mix of experience and youthful exuberance. All time NEPL leading wicket taker Lee Crozier is another familiar face who rejoins the Hill and will add control and a wicket taking threat to our attack. Top order batter Mark Wilson a Scottish Under 19 international joins us from West of Scotland CC. Two Durham University students and members of their UCCE squad,seamer Sam Martin Jenkins and batter/leg spinner Brij Sheopuri also join our ranks. Rory Mustard has been promoted to the squad to bolster the top order. Unfortunately our initial Overseas Professional had to pull out through injury however we have been fortunate enough to be able to sign Tharindu Kaushal as his replacement. Tharindu brings Test Match experience to the squad having played 7 times for Sri Lanka.
The 2nd XI will again be under the leadership of Peter Jones with Jake Robson his second in command and hopes are high that following last seasons fourth place finish they can mount a serious challenge for the Division 2 title in 2025. The squad, which has lost Rohaan Aatif and Safi Bhuiyan (to Warkworth!) looks likely to include a large number of our highly promising Junior players and the experienced members of the squad from last season plus one or two new players who have joined for 2025.
A new era starts for Chris Pounder’s 3rd XI, with a first season in the Northumbelrand and Tyneside Cricket League (NTCL) following the demise of the West Tyne League (WTL), we will also be playing our home fixtures this season at Newbrough Cricket Club. Chris will be ably supported by Michael MacLauchlan as they look forward to visit several of their old foes from the WTL along with fixtures against the likes of Blaydon, Greenside and Ryton. Hopefully lack of availability will not hinder Chris in his quest for a top four finish.
The Sunday NEPL side will once again be pretty much an ‘Academy’ side providing competitive longer form of cricket for our impressive crop of juniors with Matthew Hynd taking the lead role.
Pre season has gone well following the recent good weather with plenty of cricket already with many players having had the opportunity of getting out on the grass. The standards and expectations have been set which hopefully will result in success right across all senior sides in 2025.
Many thanks to Phil Haves for this article.
