Changes made behind the scenes at Barkby United

Competitive cricket action returns this weekend for many clubs in our area.

One of those teams, Barkby United, have made changes behind the scenes and added to their personnel as the Leicestershire & Rutland Cricket League Division One side hope they can end the campaign with promotion.

Barkby begin their season this Saturday away at Enderby after an interrupted campaign in 2020.

Scott Moore has taken on the role of director of cricket.

He will be overseeing all junior and senior cricket within the club.

The first team will be led this season by Ian Kirk.

“We are hoping to put on a strong campaign with the target of finishing in the top half and possibly having a push at finishing in the promotion places,” Kirk said.

“We will be hoping to build on the momentum of an excellent win in our pre-season friendly last week at Syston.”

Barkby’s batting has been strengthened with the arrival of Lee Wooloff from Narborough & Littlethorpe.

However, the club has been dealt a blow with the news that wicketkeeper Martin Troop will miss this season after a recent knee operation.

There is plenty of action taking place in the Leicestershire & Rutland Cricket League this Saturday.

In the Premier Division Syston Town travel to Kegworth Town, while Division One sees Thorpe Arnold host Hinckley Amateur.

East Shilton Town entertain Melton Mowbray and Egerton Park head to Market Harborough in Division Two as both sides get their campaigns underway this weekend.

Barkby United Seconds entertain Maher Stars in the Leicestershire & Rutland Cricket League Division 3 East while Syston Town Seconds are at home to Leicester University Staff.

Kibworth Thirds await the arrival of Queniborough in the Division 4 East.

The Division 5 East will see Thorpe Arnold Seconds head to Market Overton.

Two teams from our patch will take to the crease in the Division 6 East.

Egerton Park Seconds entertain Market Harborough Seconds while Queniborough Seconds are at home to Blaby.

There are also a series of friendly matches taking place on Saturday.

Belvoir CC entertain West Bridgfordians and Belvoir Thirds are at home to West Bridford Legion.

Kinoulton Seconds will travel to Caythorpe and Bottesford host Gedling and Sherwood.

Action continues on Sunday.

A Grantham & Melton Cricket Association Division Two contests pits hosts Syston Town against Croxton Kerrial.

Further friendlies will go ahead, including Cropwell versus Kinoulton and Great Dalby’s trip to Ashby Carington.

Tuesday will see clubs competing in the Burrough and District Evening League - Everards Cup.

Great Dalby host Egerton Park, Barkby United are away at Asian Sports, North Luffenham host Melton Mowbray, Belvoir travel to Burghley Park and Hickling have home advantage against Frisby, Hoby & Rotherby.

Thorpe Arnold claimed an eight-run friendly victory over visitors Melton Mowbray on Saturday.

The hosts posted 297 for 7, Mark Starkey striking 136 and backed up by Chris Waldron (22), Sam Pollard (21) and Niv Bhojwani (20).

Archie Cropper took three wickets for Melton.

In response, the visitors reached 289.