Young guns will get a chance at Fordhouses
Fordhouses are ready to put their faith in youth this season in the South Staffs County League.
The Wobaston Road outfit’s exit from the Birmingham League, following a winter restructure of Midlands cricket, has prompted a change in policy which will see the club invest in young talent.
Chief among them is 19-year-old South African overseas star Janrich Viljoen, while hopes are also high for Derbyshire academy duo Adam Peat and Zak Shah, and Warwickshire prospect Vikai Dass.
They will be aiming to step into the shoes of senior players Dave Powells and Kash Hussain, both of whom have left the club.
Skipper Chris Guest explained: “The last couple of seasons we went for it in terms of trying to climb the Birmingham League. Things didn’t really work out as we had hoped so this time we are going to give some of the young lads at the club their chance.
“At the same time we have invested some of the money previously spent on senior players on new rollers and sightscreen.
“Only three of the first XI which will start the season are over 30, while eight are under 23.
“It reaches a point when if you don’t let these lads have their chance they will end up moving elsewhere. We need to try and nurture our own.”
Guest expects his team to be competitive in what on paper looks a strong Premier Division. He said: “We have gone into each of the last four seasons expecting to win the league.
“The players we have this year are good but young and you have to accept their form may fluctuate. I still expect us to be causing a few upsets along the way.”
