Experienced Southern Premier League cricketers David Banks and Richard Kenway are set to boost Division 2 outfit Sparsholt this coming season. The pair helped BAT Sports win four SPL titles during the nineties, with Banks more recently captaining Sarisbury Athletic to the 2014 SPL1 title. He has scored nearly 5,000 Premier League runs.
Banks, who left Sarisbury Athletic after last season’s relegation, explained why he has switched clubs.
He said: “Living in north Hampshire, an 80-mile round trip to Sarisbury takes its toll. "I knew Rich was considering playing again and he suggested we play for a central Hampshire club.
"Sparsholt is an ideal location and we both have connections at the club. It appears to be well run and has a good mix of youth and experience; it’s also an ideal ground to bring the family.”
Kenway said: “It’ll be great to play in the same side as Banksy. We go back a long way and I’m looking forward to the banter on the field. Hopefully we can bring some of our experience to Sparsholt.”
Sparsholt captain Andy Worth said: “The fact that Banks and Kenway want to come to Sparsholt shows the progress we have made as a club, they've been solid performers for over two decades.
"The youngsters should learn a lot from them and I have no doubt the bar takings will go up as well. I’m hoping some of their older retired teammates may even be tempted into playing again."
Also joining Sparsholt this season is 26 year-old Colden Common opening batsman Chris Mitchell, who is looking to test himself at a higher level following several successful seasons. He has been a prolific run scorer of runs in the Hampshire League and won several divisional awards.
Sparsholt are believed to be making two other prominent pre-season signings, so watch this space !
Banks, who left Sarisbury Athletic after last season’s relegation, explained why he has switched clubs.
He said: “Living in north Hampshire, an 80-mile round trip to Sarisbury takes its toll. "I knew Rich was considering playing again and he suggested we play for a central Hampshire club.
"Sparsholt is an ideal location and we both have connections at the club. It appears to be well run and has a good mix of youth and experience; it’s also an ideal ground to bring the family.”
Kenway said: “It’ll be great to play in the same side as Banksy. We go back a long way and I’m looking forward to the banter on the field. Hopefully we can bring some of our experience to Sparsholt.”
Sparsholt captain Andy Worth said: “The fact that Banks and Kenway want to come to Sparsholt shows the progress we have made as a club, they've been solid performers for over two decades.
"The youngsters should learn a lot from them and I have no doubt the bar takings will go up as well. I’m hoping some of their older retired teammates may even be tempted into playing again."
Also joining Sparsholt this season is 26 year-old Colden Common opening batsman Chris Mitchell, who is looking to test himself at a higher level following several successful seasons. He has been a prolific run scorer of runs in the Hampshire League and won several divisional awards.
Sparsholt are believed to be making two other prominent pre-season signings, so watch this space !
