GRAPPENHALL Cricket Club aim to hit the ground running hard when the new season starts in April.
The aim will be to bounce straight back up to the Cheshire County League ECB Premier Division following last summer’s disappointing relegation.
The club will have some new faces and some familiar ones returning – and both will strengthen the 1st XI which struggled with batting and bowling last term.
South African-born Grant Hodnett has signed from Timperley and has an impressive track record.
A former Gloucestershire county player he also played for KwaZulu-Natal in his home country. He has a first class batting average of 30.43 and top score of 168.
He has a background in fitness and nutrition which will be a big help in improving all-round team performance over the season.
Returning to the club are quality front-line seamer Sam Guest and top order batsman Peter Barnes who both spent last season with Newton-le-Willows in the highly competitive Liverpool Competition.
Sam topped Newton’s bowling averages, with 71 wickets at an average of 10.14, including one eight wicket haul. He will take over the reins as 1st XI captain from his close friend Adam Roylance, who will still be with the club but will be focussing on his own game.
Peter Barnes came second in Newton’s batting figures, hitting 525 runs at an average of 32.81 and with a top score of 114.
Mike Holden is taking over captaincy of the 2nd XI, after very successfully skippering them several years ago.
The club’s winter nets start on Monday, February 3, at Bridgewater High School. For more information contact secretary Paul Tyerman on 07912 966236.
Grappers aim to hit the ground running
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