High hopes for Balderton Cricket Club as they enter new division

There are high hopes for Balderton Cricket Club as they enter a new division this season, writes Gianluca Spataro.

Last season, the club took the Division A title — flying them up to Premier League Division 2.

Captain Tim Clipsham says the team is looking forward to the season with a goal of finishing at the top again, but that it would be a challenge.

Clipsham said: “Top half would be a great finish for us although there are new teams we have never played before.

“Hopefully if we all play well and the season goes how we want it to, we should secure our goal of finishing in the top half."

The team put a lot of work in to last season, practising really hard and taking that preparation and confidence into the game — which allowed them to win.

“They are a bunch of great lads and we are all best mates, making playing with them far easier,” said Clipsham.

The team is also confident with the new recruits they have taken on, hoping that with a large squad and all players at a great standard, it will improve on an already-solid side for the season ahead.

If any players are injured, a large squad should help rotate players to prevent further injury and give others a chance to prove themselves.

The team wants to finish top three, which Clipsham believes is achievable.

However, it will be a learning year for the squad who will be playing new clubs and not knowing much about them.

Balderton will be play Cuckney Cricket Club at The Bear Pit on Saturday, April 30, to kick-start their season as they look forward with high aspirations going into the new division.

Clipsham said: “We’ve got to worry about our own game and if we play well we will be at the top and, if we don’t, we won’t.”