Knowle & Dorridge promote from within for success

May 29 2009 by Ken Montgomery, Birmingham Mail

KNOWLE & Dorridge have never won the Birmingham League’s Premier title but that could be about to change this season.

The Station Road side have started the campaign like a house on fire and already hold a 20 point advantage at the top going into tomorrow’s visit from Himley.

K&D have rung the changes to their side this term under the new leadership of former Warwickshire spinner Jamie Spires.

They’ve bucked the trend of bringing in big names and instead promoted from within.

Already 18-year-old left-hand opening bat Alec Baker has caught the eye along with Chris Kenny, both of whom attend Solihull College.

Added to that is a third teenager in wicketkeeper-batsman Tom McNeillie, who has arrived from next door neighbours Dorridge.

The trio have already provided plenty of runs this season while home grown talent Ben Coley and Will Mottram have well and truly made their mark with the ball since stepping up from the Second XI.

Spires said: “We’ve promoted from within. We lost big names like Elliot Wilson, Zimbabwean Travis Friend, Spencer Platt and Warwickshire wicketkeeper Tony Frost.

“These lads have come in and more than made up for that.

“There’s at least six of the side who were playing Second XI cricket last season and playing for the First XI means a great deal to them”.

However, there’s still a good sprinkling of well-known faces in the line-up with former Bears Nick James and Luke Parker appearing.

The Station Road side also have ex-Warwickshire and Glamorgan batsman David Hemp up their sleeve but coaching duties at Solihull School have prevented him from Saturday games so far.

Spires added: “David is in a different class. Quite a lot of players who come out of county cricket struggle to adapt with the Birmingham League at first. He’s been playing for Bermuda in the ICC and still has a great deal of hunger for the game.

“His style suits Birmingham League conditions and he’s already becoming a great guy to have around.’’

Second-placed Moseley travel to Kenilworth Wardens while three times champions Walsall entertain Dougie Brown’s Barnt Green, both sides having made an indifferent start to the season so far.

Walmley will look to climb the table when they host bottom of the pack Leamington while Premier new-boys Bromsgrove face a tricky trip to Wolverhampton.