WELCOME MATT OUT FOR HALL

An 18-year veteran of the Bassetlaw League, Hall has represented the league at Under 18, Under 25 and senior level, and captains the representative side.

Relegated from the Notts Premier last summer, Kiveton Park will be hoping to seal a return this year, and that ambition is what prised Hall away from the club he has grown up at.

Speaking to the Guardian this week he said: “I’ve been at Glapwell since my father moved there to play in 1984.”

“I played my first competitive men’s game in the summer of 1993 I think, so last summer was my 18th season in the Bassetlaw league.”

“I really enjoyed my time at Glapwell, and leaving was one of the hardest decisions I have ever had to make – they’ve always supported me and I can’t thank them enough.”

“But I decided I needed a new challenge and after speaking to Kiveton captain Lee Brooks it was clear they wanted to return to the Notts Premier.”

With the league season due to start on Saturday, weather permitting, Hall could make his Kiveton debut at home to Marshalls.

Before even swinging a bat in anger, the 30-year-old says he feels right at home at Stone Close, and is ready for the Championship season.

“The players and the committee have been fantastic in making both myself and my wife welcome at the club,” he said.

“I have been practising twice a week and feel like I am timing the ball better that ever.”

“As a club we are very much looking forward to the season – there are some fantastic players at Kiveton and there is a real sense of team unity which will no doubt stand us in good stead for the 2012 season.”

Joining Hall at Kiveton Park is wicket-keeper batsman Adam Whiteley from Mansfield Hosiery Mills, but the side will be without the services of opening batsman and wicket-keeper Chris Hadley who has retired.

Kiveton Park’s second team begin the season away at Killamarsh II.