Bob Carr’s move to Dublin for a work promotion means he will only be available for the occasional game. As a result, Dan Hodgson takes over as captain. A new signing is Lalith Mohan as the club’s Overseas Professional for the 2026 season. Lalith is a left-arm orthodox spinner who has represented Andhra in first-class cricket in India.
After signing for Durham, Shafi will still be available when not required by Durham and evergreen Gary Pratt plays on. Owen Kelly is returning to the club after spells at Marton and Bedale and army player David Shaw has joined the club.
Off the field, there has been a major refurbishment in the clubhouse with the creation of a more contemporary sports bar.
The removal of some internal walls creating a more open feel with areas for pool and darts. An extended bar should speed service.
The first team started their season with a pre-season friendly against Carlisle at Hurgill Road on Saturday.
Dan Hodgson’s side won the toss and elected to field, and though the final result did not go their way against a capable Carlisle side, there were sufficient individual performances to offer genuine optimism ahead of the new season.
CARLISLE CC INNINGS — 235 FOR 5 (45 overs)
Carlisle posted a challenging total of 235 for 5 from their 45 overs. Marc Brown led the way with a purposeful 48 from 56 deliveries, striking four sixes in an innings that set the tone, while Michael Slack contributed an equally aggressive 48 before retiring not out. Ben Davidson provided the backbone of the later overs with a composed 44 not out.
Richmondshire’s bowlers competed well throughout, with Caleb Bradford the standout, returning two wickets from nine overs for 30 runs. Jake Percival, Joe White and David Shaw each claimed one apiece as Richmondshire restricted Carlisle to what proved a competitive but chaseable target.
A brief rain interruption saw the match reduced to 40 overs with a revised target of 221 from the 40 overs.
RICHMONDSHIRE CC INNINGS — 206 ALL OUT (40 overs)
Mike Layfield showed good early season form with 58 from 76 balls. With five fours and two sixes, he was eventually stumped off David Rhoda.
The innings was not without its difficulties. Gary Pratt fell for 13 early on, and a second-ball duck for captain Dan Hodgson, lbw to Kieran Titterington, left the side at 53 for 3 inside 13 overs. Joe White contributed a brisk 21 and Alex Percival 16 as the lower order pushed hard,
A second spirited cameo from Pratt later in the innings, 39 from just 20 balls closed the gap, but Richmondshire were ultimately bowled out for 206 in the final over, falling 15 runs short
On the whole, a sound pre-season workout and a platform from which Richmondshire can build on as the face Saltburn at home in the first league fixture next week.
NEXT WEEKS FIXTURES
Saturday 18 April 2026
1st XI Home v Saltburn CC 1st XI at Richmondshire Cricket Club 12:00
2nd XI Away v Thornaby CC 1st XI at Thornaby Cricket Club 12:00
4th XI Home v Skelton Castle CC XI at Richmond School 13:00
5th XI Away v Etherley CC at Etherley CC 13:30
Sunday 19 April 2026
3rd XI Home v Billingham Synthonia CC 3rd XI at Richmondshire Cricket Club 14:00
