BARNARD Castle CC have declared their intent for next season with three high class signings.
All-rounder Karl Carver has agreed to return despite overtures from several other clubs and in a sign the club is determined to bounce back after a disappointing 2023, Barney have also recruited former Leicestershire and Yorkshire fast bowler Eddie Barnes and another left arm off spinning all-rounder in the highly respected South African, Sean Whitehead.
Whitehead has played most of his cricket in South Africa where he has made 22 first-class appearances. He has 16 caps for South Africa U19s and was part of the squad that played in the 2016 World Cup in Bangladesh.
He averages 37.73 with the bat at first class level with an impressive high score of 155 not out. He also holds an outstanding best of 10-36 with the ball with his slow left arm orthodox. He has played in England in recent years for Rawtenstall Cricket Club, in Lancashire, where he averages 34.74 with the bat and has taken 137 wickets at an impressive average of just 15.14.
Barney will hope he can be valuable in all three facets of the game as they look to bridge the gap that was clear to see last season in both the league table position and in performances.
They have also added former Leicestershire all-rounder Barnes to the squad for next season.
He has a formidable record with the ball and will contribute with the bat. He bowls right arm fast and will be pushing the clock to about 80mph down the hill at Vere Road. Barnes has played his first class cricket at Derbyshire and Leicestershire, but in recent seasons has had limited opportunities at the top level. His pace will undoubtedly be dangerous to all opposition next season.
When asked about his targets for the year, Barnes said: “What drew me into Barney is how passionate they are about righting a few wrongs and ensuring next season is a successful one.
“We’ve already got a serious bunch of talented cricketers who are all hungry to succeed and I’ve got no doubt that we’ll have the ability to compete on all fronts and get some silverware back to Vere Road”.
There was a disgruntled crowd for last season’s bank holiday thrashing at the hands of Richmondshire. Calls for change have been heard.
Possibly even more vital for Barney is that they have been able to tie down the services of Carver for another year.
There is an option in the contract to extend so Barney will be hoping for a successful season. He has been impeccable over recent seasons and despite contract negotiations rumbling on longer than the club will have wanted, they will be relieved that he’s returning for at least another two campaigns.
Carver said: “I’m really excited to be part of it, the club has always looked after me and my family.
“I’m especially excited with the signings we have made. We have had a quiet couple of underachieving years, and I want to help get the club to the top, where it belongs.”
Club chairman Dave Sparrow said: “The committee decided that they would really support the current players by investing heavily in the two signings and Karl’s extension, all of whom are quality players.
“Karl was being chased by numerous other clubs but he’s vital to us. We are confident that both Sean and Eddie will help us take the extra step to be competitive across the league and all the cups, including in the national competition”.
League honours must be the target next year and the off season shall be vital for current players to improve on skills that let them down last campaign.
