ALEX THORLEY

(Norton in Hales)

BARLASTON and Longton have been among Alex Thorley’s previous ports of call, but he’s now settling in to life at Norton in Hales.

Last summer was his maiden campaign at the club following a move from Blythe... and his Tractor Boys career has developed quickly.

Thorley has been appointed as first-team captain for this summer as Norton in Hales attempt to win promotion from Division Two.

Runs will also be a key currency for Thorley as he bids to lead from the front in his side’s top-two mission. A batsman who can be destructive on his day, it will be intriguing to see hoew his own form holds - and hoe he shapes the club’s promotion push.

Norton in Hales have graced the top flight of local cricket before, and won the title, and Thorley is the man tasked with helping them to inch closer to reviving the glory days.

IT hasn’t been uncommon over the past few years to see Stone SP make a rapid start to an innings. And plenty of that has been down to George Hawbrook.

The big-hitting batsman - a shoulder injury prevents too much bowling these days - has now decided to take his repertoire of shots to Barlaston for the 2021 season.

There might well be a few eyebrows raised that a player who has demolished Premier Division attacks will now be figuring in Division Two.

So it’s very much Barlaston’s gain that Hawbrook will be fronting their batting bid this summer.

An indication of Hawbrook’s ability is highlighted when he scored 131, off 110 balls, in a drawn game against Leek back in 2019.

He pummelled 17 fours and three sixes in that innings and no doubt there will be a few Division Two attacks on the receiving end over the course of the summer.

Runs will be the key currency for Thorley and it will be interesting to see how his own form holds up now he is captain. On his day, he is capable of being destructive

There might have been a few eyebrows raised when Hawbrook made the move down to Division Two. But it is very much Barlaston’s gain given Hawbrook’s big-hitting credentials at the top of the order

GEORGE HAWBROOK (Barlaston)