Only a select few clubs in the County run three teams, let alone the four league sides that Kibworth are committed to producing this year. Just 12 months after launching a fledgling side into friendly Cricket the club have taken the bold move of putting the team into the Northants League for a taste of competitive action.

 

 It is difficult to overstate the effort made by both captain and committee last year to make the 4th team happen. This year the work will be just as great but in a different direction. For the coming season the club will now need to find 11 more committed players every Saturday to tackle competitive league Cricket, as well as all the work behind the scenes that goes on often un-noticed. Make no mistake; the fantastic club spirit at Kibworth will be tested once again.

 

 At this stage it is impossible to predict how the team will line up by the time April comes around but striking a balance will be vital. There will certainly be a junior element to the side but even a cursory glance at the winter nets will tell you that those of the clubs younger members who will be given their opportunity won’t be there to make up numbers; the talent on show indicates they will make a real contribution.

 

 A famous football pundit once said that you can’t win anything with kids, so there has to be an experienced core to the side to pass on knowledge, experience and consistency. To those players the task will be given of providing the framework of the side and also setting an example to those around them. It is to be hoped that these players can further assist by nurturing the juniors in a winning side where confidence can flourish.

 

However despite its noble aims the 4th team cannot be a means to itself. Players who perform for the side should be looking to progress into the 3rd team and hopefully beyond. Wouldn’t it be wonderful for the club to have genuine competition for places with players moving between the sides as skill and form dictates? Players moving up given an opportunity to prove themselves, just as Colin Griggs did last year, and those asked to move down given an opportunity to force the Selection Committee to think again.

 

 Some seasons ago Kibworth launched a third team with the hope of promoting young talent. Numerous players have been given their opportunity and with that the team has gained its own identity and momentum. We now have the opportunity to build another team using that example and it’s an exciting challenge we can all mould together. All we need now is late April to come round to meet it.