Carnforth Cricket Club captain steps down after seven years in role 

Carnforth Cricket Club’s captain has stepped down after seven years.

Bradley Hoyle has been at Carnforth since junior level and, while he has been captain of the club, has led them to huge succes

The team’s first piece of silverware while he was captain was in 2017, when they secured the Hackney & Leigh Trophy, a competition they won four times in a row. 

Carnforth also won the Westmorland Cricket League Division One title in four consecutive seasons between 2018 and 2021, eventually deciding to make the step up to the Palace Shield for the 2022 season, in which year they gained promotion to the league’s Premier Division.

Their most recent success was securing the Palace Shield Meyler Cup trophy in August 2023, comfortably beating Vernon Carus to get their hands on the title. 

Carnforth Cricket Club posted on their social media: “Bradley has achieved so much over these years and we couldn’t be prouder of how he’s captained the club. 

“Bradley, from all the players, members and committee members, we thank you.”

Hoyle will still represent Carnforth Cricket Club and aims to focus on his individual performances as a fifth order batsman and a mid-wicket fielder.

He told Beyond Radio: “It’s been a really tough decision to step down, but I feel like I’m leaving the team in a really good place.

“I’ve absolutely loved the last seven years, won plenty of trophies and made some great memories with some great lads. 

“I feel that my personal game has suffered over the last couple of years and now I need to be a bit more selfish and concentrate on that. 

“I can’t wait for what will hopefully be another successful season.”

Hoyle’s successor as captain is Shane Dixon. Ryan Nelson will be vice captain.