2025 PREVIEWS: Slater hopes high-profile returns can fire Northop Hall promotion push

Skipper Ben Slater hopes this winter marks the start of a new chapter for Northop Hall.

The North Wales side have made two of Division Two’s headline signings, big names returning to the club at different stages in their careers.

Opening batter Jac Kennedy, 22, has spent three years at Northern after coming through the juniors at Smithy Lane, scoring 2,800 runs in all competitions for the national T20 champions.   

Left-arm spinner Paul Jenkins, 53, spent four years at Northop Hall before a long and storied spell at Colwyn Bay, racking up more than 1,000 Love Lane Liverpool Competition wickets.

Between them, Slater is hoping for a big impact and an improvement on last year’s sixth place.

The captain said: “Jac is focusing on his career and his home club, trying to get us back where we belong, higher up in the leagues. 

“There was plenty of interest in him, as you can imagine, but our level of flexibility was what turned the tables. It was a long process but we got it done in the end.

“He’s scored four centuries in three years at Northern, averaging a touch over 26 in the best league and competing in all the best competitions, so it’s really good for us and we’re hoping for big things from him. 

“He’s been in the top 15-20 every year, with plenty of first class and overseas professionals in that league – so it’s a really great addition for us. 

“And his leg-spin will be a handy option in the cups.”

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On the veteran Jenkins, he added: “His record speaks for itself. He’s originally from Northop Hall and he felt it was time to make the move back. 

“We sat down and explained our plans for the club going forward – like Jac, he wants to get Northop Hall out of Division Two.”

Along with seamer Carwyn Johnson, returning after a year playing for Neston and Skelmersdale, and off-spinner James Hurlin, Slater is confident of having the attack to mount a promotion push.

Last year’s bid was derailed by Afghan import Nawid Kabir only sticking around for seven league games, leaving the side without a slow left-armer.

Slater, who has opted not to go for an overseas player this year, said: “We’re looking at a promotion challenge this year. 

“We’ve added runs and wickets, so for me personally we’re all eyeing promotion. 

“The end goal is that Northop Hall should be playing Division One cricket. 

“We want to get the club to as high a level as we possibly can, and we think we’re at the start of that process.

“We’re trying to structure the club from top to bottom and get that natural progression of youth coming through the club to make it sustainable. 

“A lot of clubs are struggling to do that at the moment, so we hope these little changes will pay dividends.”

from Merseyside Cricket Online https://ift.tt/9iQn2mo