Clubs in Covid - NORTHOP HALL

Date: 5th December 2020

All looking forward at Smithy Lane

Those that have played and watched cricket at Northop Hall will agree that it is a fantastic place for the travelling cricketer, with its picturesque views over the hills of Moel Famau and excellent facilities, this is a place where you are always made to feel welcome. 2021 will mark the Flintshire clubs 9th year of absence from the Premier League, a timeframe which may have been difficult to predict considering they had spent much more time in the top flight than out of it before their relegation in 2011. Since then the club have been through some difficult periods of transition, with the loss of more senior players, the club then suffered its second relegation of the decade. Fortunately, the club reacted strongly and used this as an opportunity to blood their homegrown players into first team cricket, resulting in promotion in 2018.

Club legend and newly appointed first team coach Dave Kennedy says ‘We really have done the hard yards over the last few seasons. We are fortunate to have some great young talent at the club who played a massive part in getting us promoted back to the first division. Since then we brought Mike Barnes back to the club from Birkenhead Park to captain the side, who has been instrumental in helping the club move forward’

The club finished a respectable 6th in its first season back in the first division, and Barnes hopes for further improvement in 2021 with 3 big signings so far this winter in Kieran New and Will Higginson from Colwyn Bay, and Harrison Jones also formerly of Colwyn Bay joins the club from Denbigh. ‘We are really happy with who we have managed to bring in so far’ Barnes says. ‘Kieran has an excellent record with the new ball across the Premier League and first division, whereas Will has the ability to take teams apart on his day and already has hundreds against New Brighton and Bootle to his name. Harrison also boosts our batting, and gives us another left arm spin option to compliment James Hurlin who has been very reliable for us’. Northop Hall will also be boosted by the availability of the experienced Alex Smith, plus two very promising 18 year olds in Jac Kennedy and Carwyn Johnson who Barnes is expecting big things from. ‘Jac really came of age last season with a fantastic unbeaten hundred against Colwyn Bay, whilst Carwyn’s progress is really positive and he has the attributes to be successful for us’.

The members of Smithy Lane are looking forward to seeing the new players in action next season, in what looks to be a strong and competitive first division.