2025 PREVIEWS: All change at Highfield as Hargreaves looks to carry on ‘legend’ Farrell’s good work

Ryan Hargreaves admits the past week has been a whirlwind – but he is looking forward to settling in as Highfield skipper.

Mike Farrell’s decision to take a break from cricket, with just days to go before the start of the season, left a gap Hargreaves was happy to fill, even if he will regret not having his friend and mentor out there with him.

He said: “Everyone across the Comp knows Mike, he’s done it at the highest level and it’s really sad to see him go. 

“He’s been a legend at Highfield and it’s been a pleasure playing alongside him. 

“I wish him all the best and I’m sure everyone at Highfield and beyond does as well.

“I had a little stint as captain in the Covid year, which was a bit different. 

“But working alongside Mike over the last couple of years, it was in the back of my mind that it was something I wanted to do eventually – maybe not in the way it came about, but I’m looking forward to the challenge.”

Listen to the Last Hour cricket podcast

Highfield were second at the midpoint of last season, only to be overhauled by eventual champions Colwyn Bay. 

An eventual third place finish, along with victory in the Ray Tyler Cup, represented a good season, and Hargreaves hopes to be competitive on all fronts again.

“We had a little drop-off last season but we still finished strongly, and it was nice to get a bit of silverware too,” he said. 

“I’m under no illusions though, with the change over the last week it’s about taking stock and trying to get a good start. 

“It’s not going to be easy but promotion is always the aim – we’ll have a better idea in week six or seven once we’ve got a few games under our belt.”

---

Top-order mainstay Hedley Molyneux has departed for a new challenge at Prescot & Odyssey in Division Two, while Mike Simpson arrives from Norley Hall, having already spent two seasons at Highfield in 2017-18.

And Indian all-rounder Mohit Jangra, who made 599 runs and took 65 wickets last year, is back for another spell.

Hargreaves added: “Hedley is a big miss considering what he can do, but Mike is a really good player who’s looking to come into the top order, where we have had a few struggles over the last few years. 

“So hopefully he can do a good job for us this year.

“We’re really happy to have Mohit back, he was outstanding for us last year. I’m sure he’ll lead the way again.”

from Merseyside Cricket Online https://ift.tt/xHK1g9C