Express & Star

Halesowen bring in Jamie Harrison and Harry Baddams

Halesowen have continued their impressive winter recruitment drive by enticing Jamie Harrison from Barnt Green and Harry Baddams from local rivals Old Hill.

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Both Baddams and Harrison are left-handed top-order batsman who have been recruited to ‘mix the game up’ according to captain Alexei Kervezee.

Delighted with his new recruits, Kervezee commented: “Over last season it became evident that in all three forms of cricket we needed more variety in our options with the bat.

“With the loss of Kester Moseley (transferred to home town club Bath) and various uncertainties around the availability of other players due to family matters, we felt it was essential we recruited well to ensure we have strength in depth in the top six of the batting order and both Jamie and Harry fit the bill.”

Harrison is an opening batsman who also plays Minor Counties cricket for Herefordshire. He came through the Warwickshire age group system while plying his trade at club level with Walmley and latterly Barnt Green.

In the last seven seasons he has amassed 6,800 runs and, aged just 21, has capacity to get better and better and is eager to get going under skipper Kervezee.

“I have played with and against Alexei for some years and I know he can bring the best out in me,” he said.

“And having met with other members of the cricket management team at Halesowen I can see what a professional set up the club has.”

Meanwhile, 17-year-old Baddams is also one for the future having grown up near the club but played at Old Hill. Currently in the Worcestershire CCC Development XI set-up, he can bat anywhere in the top five having scored 3300 runs in the last 7 seasons of club Cricket.

An excited Baddams said: “I just want to kick on now and with the league structure changing the chance to play in the Birmingham League with a club on my doorstep was too good to miss.”

“I will always be grateful for the opportunities that I was given at Old Hill from a young age and have really enjoyed the past few seasons there.

“Now feels like the right time for a new start with Halesowen and I’m prepared to really test myself with a new club and people. I can’t wait to get started.”

Halesowen report back for duty on February 3rd at their indoor base in Hagley before undertaking a variety of sessions on power hitting, specialist fielding and drill work. They then depart to the West Country for their preseason training camp on April 13th and 14th before the season starts on April 20th for more information contact 07770 – 728411.