HONLEY are aiming to be one of the Drakes Premiership’s major players once again this summer following the disappointments of 2012.
After landing the League title six times in the last eight seasons (along with two Sykes Cup triumphs) Honley were off the pace last year, finishing in a lowly eighth spot.
And mindful of the fact that his once all-conquering side are not getting any younger, skipper Rob Moore is looking to land a couple of new recruits to hopeful boost their performances this summer.
Honley have already signed promising Joe Lumb Cup all-rounder Timmy Taylor from Lascelles Hall, and Moore is now hopeful of completing the transfers of Yorkshire Academy wicketkeeper/batsman Eddie Wilson (inset) from Golcar, and brilliant batting prospect Will Fraine, from Meltham.
Fraine’s dad Michael has been playing at Honley for the last few seasons, so his move will probably come as no surprise to many, although his appearances may be limited in the first half of the season as he is now at college in Bromsgrove, Worcestershire.
Will Fraine was one of the stand-out stars in last season’s Joe Lumb competition, and was man-of-the-match for Huddersfield when they hammered the Aire/Wharfe League in the final at Honley, making 138 of his side’s 244-4 tally.
Wicketkeeper Wilson (grandson of World Cup-winning full-back Ray Wilson) is already firmly on the radar with Yorkshire, having played a number of second team matches with the county last year.
His appearances were limited to just four matches with Golcar last season, and Honley will be hoping to see much more of him as he has been pencilled in to take over as the first team’s gloveman from Richard Jakeman.
“Jakey has done a fantastic job for us over the years behind the sticks, but we know we needed to strengthen the batting, and Rich (Jakeman) wants to concentrate on his own batting, and will therefore play as an out-fielder,” said Moore.
“Last season we struggled both with injuries and unavailabilities. Spinner Max Morley missed quite a lot of games, and with his involvement now at Durham, we may not see much of him this season either.
“But we are expecting Harlon (Haye) to be with us all season this year, which will make a difference as he was only available for a handful of games last summer, while Ritchie Howarth has thankfully decided against retiring and will be available to us again this year.
“Ultimately our aim is to evolve the side and it’s important we bring in some younger players, so we are looking forward to seeing some fresh blood in the dressing room and definitely some younger legs on the field.”
