Excitement is brewing as the members gear up for a thrilling 2025 season at Kislingbury Temperance Cricket Club.
Whether you’re reading this before the first ball is bowled or in the midst of the season, you can feel the energy surging through the club after an eventful 2024. The moment the last match of 2024 ended, the team’s focus shifted to the future, working tirelessly behind the scenes on everything from player recruitment to ground care upgrades, ensuring they were prepared for the challenges that 2025 could bring.
We caught up with Ashley Starmer, who holds the reins as the first team captain for the upcoming season. “We’re now nine weeks into pre-season preparation at the iconic Northants County Ground. Here, we’ve been regaining our fitness, honing our skills, and nurturing our young talent as best we can. We are really looking forward to the upcoming season with a fit and raring-to-go side. The addition of new players, Tiaan Louw and Kobi Johnston, alongside promising youth talent Josh Archer, who has recently been added to our squad after showcasing his talents through the winter. The target for the season is to break into the top 4 while carrying on and developing our youngsters to be really solid Premier League cricketers.”
The second team has welcomed Rob Thrippleton as captain, taking over from John Peel, who led them to two promotions in just three years.
Rob shared his thoughts on the road ahead: “I’m really looking forward to captaining the 2s this year! I hope for a very successful season. I enjoy winning games in whatever sport I play, and I intend to instil this winning mentality in our squad to help us achieve that so we can get across the line more often. Kislingbury is a fantastic club to play for, and I’m grateful to have found it.”
Andy Heather, captain of the third team, has had an inspiring journey since the team was formed just two years ago. Achieving promotion in their inaugural season was a phenomenal accomplishment, and becoming champions in their second year is a testament to hard work and dedication. We asked him about his aspirations for the upcoming season. “We continue to see young, talented players coming through, supported by a group of senior players, many of whom hadn’t played cricket for years (or even decades) but have regained their passion for the game as coaches and role models. I hope this blend of youth and experience will allow everyone to enjoy their cricket, respect the game, and learn from the challenges they encounter.”
Finally, we had the pleasure of chatting with Ben Swingler, the man who oversees everything cricket-related for the club. Ben added, “The 2025 season is here, and it’s hard to believe! This will be my 16th season at Kislingbury, and I’m genuinely excited about what lies ahead. We’ve had a productive winter, and I feel like we are in a great position to kick things off.”
“This year, some brilliant young players are coming through, including a couple who have already made their way into the first-team squad, which is fantastic to see. Our overseas player this season is from Australia, and I’m eager to see what he brings to the club.”
“I’m really hoping for a successful season across all three teams. I have three fantastic captains in place, all ready to go on April 26th.”
“Finally, a big thank you once again to everyone at ECL for their continued support, it means a lot to us.”
Let’s take a moment to travel back to February of this year, when indoor practice net sessions kicked off at Northamptonshire’s County Ground.
There was a mix of familiar faces and fresh talent gathering to start the early hard work and shake off any winter cobwebs from their bowling and batting arms. To the captains watching closely, it was clear that some players were eager to step up their game and make a statement. This was more than just practice; it was an opportunity for each player to prove they have what it takes to reach new heights.
As the weeks flew by, the Kislingbury players continued to build fitness and confidence. As they move towards the outdoor net sessions, it’s clear that they are gearing up for a phenomenal season ahead. Their training schedule has been ramped up from one night a week to two, ensuring every player puts in the hard yards to reap the rewards when September 2025 rolls around. Each team has bold aspirations this season.
The first team is hungry for a rise up the Premier League, armed with a formidable bowling attack and batsmen eager to flip the script on past seasons. They’re ready to transform previous disappointments into powerful performances that ignite the team’s climb to the lofty heights they all crave.
Meanwhile, the second team is also on a mission to chase promotion and narrow that divisional gap with the first team. Under the capable leadership of new skipper Rob, you can bet the players will be fired up and ready to give their all come the first ball on April 26th! As for the thirds, the sky isn’t even the limit! With their vibrant spirit and potential, anything is possible. They, too, will be pursuing promotion, and who knows, maybe even a shot at the title once again!
Throughout the season, we look forward to receiving an abundance of thrilling stories and memorable moments from all the teams. From remarkable runs to breathtaking 5-wicket hauls and displays of fielding prowess. Stay updated through the Kislingbury Temperance Cricket Club’s social media channels. For those unable to attend, the club is introducing live streaming for all home games at the ECL pavilion so you can stay connected wherever you are.
A heartfelt thank you to our fantastic president, Steve Tysoe, and ECL for their unwavering support. As we embark on this new chapter of the Kislingbury Temperance Cricket Club story, we are filled with hope and excitement for a season that promises to be spectacular.
Kislingbury Committee
