THEY’VE used the policy in recent years, and Tynedale are again turning to juniors to push their first team on.

But their hands have been forced a little bit more this year, the Hexham-based team losing some big players in the off-season.

They have been unable to replace overseas professional Patrick Matautaava, and key players Ross Sinclair and Callum Barnes have had their heads turned by Northumberland and Tyneside League rivals Swalwell and Lanchester.

Teenager Will Dagg will miss half the season as he is currently in Australia, while Noah Hiles will be absent for the opening games due to skiing commitments.

A big positive is that youngster Josh Renton will return from his travels in time for the season opener on April 22, while there are a number of exciting youngsters ready to step into the fold if required.

Matty Percival, Richard Brooks and Euan Stephenson have all been earmarked as potential first team players, as have youngsters Sam Peter and Ollie Fletcher. There is also plenty of experience from the second team, to be captained this year by Mark Clark, with Ben Griffiths and brothers David and Paul Newton available for selection.

Captain Tom Cant said: “From the starting 11 which finished last season, we have lost about six but that creates opportunities for our U17 and younger players. The U15 team have won the Northumberland cup three years running, so there’s promise there.

“From when we won the league in 2014, only three players remain so there’s been a huge turn-over since then.

“No doubt, it will be a challenge but it is an exciting one with local lads coming in.

“We start the season with a couple of tough away games at Ponteland and Ashington, but six wins normally keeps you up in this division and that’s our first target. It will be a big club effort and everybody needs to pull together, but for me, as cricket development officer for West Northumberland, bringing young players through is what it’s all about.”

Ahead of the season opener, Tynedale have two away friendlies to look forward to over the Easter weekend. They travel to Tyne Valley neighbours Stocksfield on Saturday, and then to Blagdon Park on Sunday.

david.coulter@hexham-courant.co.uk