Carroll returns as Mills target promotion

HOPTON Mills have made a major signing with the new cricket season just a week away as opening bowler Michael Carroll returns to the club after a spell with Central Yorkshire League Premier Division side Wakefield St Michaels.

Carroll came through the junior ranks at Mills and having played for both senior teams, he moved to try his luck with St Michaels, where he enjoyed an excellent spell.

Carroll produced the best bowling figures in a Premier Division match last season, claiming 8-18 on his way to 43 league wickets and he is set be a huge asset as Hopton aim to challenge for promotion from Division Two.

Former junior player Alistair Roberts has returned to the club, Craig Gardner has joined from Huddersfield Central League neighbours Upper Hopton, while Lee Learie returns to Mills after a brief spell at Lepton.

Mills have a new committee, who recognise that junior development will provide a huge part in their future and have appointed Chris Jones to run the Junior Academy.

They are actively recruiting youngsters aged 7-16 to have weekly training sessions and the club will be arranging friendlies with local teams, with the prospect of playing league games in 2012. Anyone interested in joining should contact Chris on 07900 168616.

The committee have had a busy winter tidying up their picturesque Woodbottom ground and have also appointed a new groundsman, who has worked hard on improving the wicket as Hopton’s two sides aim to launch an assaul to the division two and four titles.

Hopton begin their second division campaign away to Caribbean next Saturday, while their A team at home to the same opponents in Division Four.