Following a first season back in the Drakes Huddersfield League Premiership last year, when the undoubted talents of Lorenzo Ingram were a major factor in maintaining that status, Barkisland have recruited four new players in an effort to continue progress.
While Ingram will not be returning, he has been replaced by all-rounder LJ Brown, a proven Australian grade player with an excellent record in previous English visits.
Brown will be a key figure in the club’s coaching strategy at all levels throughout the summer.
Joining him will be leg spinner Chris Williams, while another major signing to strengthen the seam attack and top-order batting is all-rounder Alex Scholefield, who has left Skelmanthorpe to return to Woodfield.
Finally, Barkisland have snapped up high-class former Bradford League and Central Yorkshire League wicketkeeper Phil Ackroyd.
Skipper Darren Robinson adds the new men to last season’s 1,000-run man Jamie Summerscales, opening batsman and new vice-captain Alex Kaye and off spinner Matt Steers, who all help to give the squad a balanced look and hopes are high they can challenge at the top end of the table.
On the outgoing side, leaving the club are young pace bowler Johnnie Whiteoak, to Sheffield United, and Jacob Travis to the Halifax League.
Meanwhile, Barkisland’s well-established junior section continues to develop under the guidance of junior development manager Dave Weston.
He said: “We now have 88 registered juniors from Under 7s to Under 17s and among those are three Yorkshire juniors, one of whom, Luke Bridges, will be part of our first team squad this season.
“There are also a number of other promising players who I believe will develop into successful cricketers.
“We have introduced an Academy programme this winter for our best Under 15 to Under 20 players, and again members of the Academy are expected to be competing for first XI positions, while we expect our second XI to field eight players at this age group. Our younger ones will develop in the Sunday 3rd XI.
“We are determined at Barkisland to develop our own quality players while being realistic enough to realise that professional support is needed at first-team level.”
Off the field, Barkisland’s clubhouse refurbishment has proved to be an outstanding success and has been open Thursday to Sunday throughout the winter.
The facilities have helped generate income, while the club continue to be backed by loyal sponsors from around Calderdale.
Further improvements are also under way at Woodfield with new sightscreens under construction for the new season, allied to a new decking area ideal for viewing and offering excellent sponsor facilities.
Barkisland are recognising the fast-developing women’s game with a girls’ team to be entered at Under 11 level this season. A major coaching announcement will be made within the girls’ section in the next couple of weeks.
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