THERE is a real buzz around Harden Cricket Club as the 2022 Aire-Wharfe League season nears, as the club look to build on a successful 2021.

With their first team exceeding expectations to claim the Division Three crown and back-to-back promotions to the second tier, and the second XI holding their own in Division Six, last season also saw the club build on the re-introduction of a third string.

The club are also continuing to develop their growing junior section, which has seen several players feature for their senior sides over the past few years, with Under-9, Under-11, and Under-13 teams entered for 2022.

The sides train on a Friday evening, with anybody interested urged to contact Richard Falkingham through the club’s social media channels.

Previewing the new season, Falkingham said: “We are excited.

“Last year we had an excellent season, winning Division Three and gaining promotion back to the second tier.

“At the beginning of the season, our main goal was to compete in Division Three, and for the second team to be promoted back to Division Five.

“We’ve also re-introduced our third team after an absence of ten years, with an aim of bringing the juniors through to senior cricket.

“However, after winning their first eight games, the first team were ready to challenge for the title and claim back-to-back promotions.

“We recruited well and brought in four experienced first-team players, and that really raised the standard of cricket that we were playing.

“After a little blip mid-season, the first team pushed on and ended up beating some very good teams and winning the division.

“After two solid years of work to rebuild the team, it was a fantastic reward for all involved.

“It will be another step up to the second tier, but the players are looking forward to it and are excited to test themselves against tougher opposition and show that they can compete in the division.”

Keighley News: Matthew Hogg (centre) has been an inspirational opening bowler for Harden over the years, and he took 5-45 in their final game of last season, as they sealed the title with a seven-wicket win over Bolton Villas. Picture: Andy Garbutt.Matthew Hogg (centre) has been an inspirational opening bowler for Harden over the years, and he took 5-45 in their final game of last season, as they sealed the title with a seven-wicket win over Bolton Villas. Picture: Andy Garbutt.

Harden have been no strangers to success in their illustrious 172-year history, winning numerous Bradford Central League titles and Keighley Cups during the 1980s, before they moved to the Aire-Wharfe League in 2001 upon the league’s expansion to three divisions.

There, Harden proved that they could compete, their second team completing a league and cup double in 2005 to reach Division A, while their first eleven were promoted as champions in 2006, having narrowly lost out a year earlier.

That was also the first season that the club fielded an overseas player, Tim Clarke from St Joseph’s CC in Geelong.

Their junior section has also gone from strength to strength since the turn of the century, with their Under-9s winning the league title in 2006, and the Under 13s retaining the Brian Sewell Cup in 2009.

After the club’s first and second teams were relegated in 2019, the club reached their lowest point since joining the league, with the loss of their captain, a core of first-team players, and off-field issues with their overseas player all contributing factors.

However, the recruitment of six new faces and the return of five former players over the winter months saw the club rebuild, with a slice of good fortune seeing them gain immediate promotion back to Division Three in 2020.

Keighley News: Tom Stordy, a key player in Harden's middle order last season, batting for the club during a match against Olicanian. Picture: Andy Garbutt.Tom Stordy, a key player in Harden's middle order last season, batting for the club during a match against Olicanian. Picture: Andy Garbutt.

“The first team will again be captained by Andy Wear and backed up by Mark Portlock, who will be looking to build on all the hard work at the club over the past two years and have a strong campaign,” Falkingham added.

“The second team will once again be led by myself, with Martin Falkingham as vice-captain, and are pushing for promotion back to Division Five.

“The squad includes some talented young cricketers and some experienced senior heads.

“We will continue to feed both the first and second teams with our promising crop of players, and hope to see them progress at the club on their path to adult cricket.”

Harden start their Division Two season on Saturday (April 16) with a trip to Olicanian, while their second team hosts Colton Institute.

Their third XI then travel to neighbours Steeton on Sunday.