2026 Season Preview
Felling Cricket Club head into the 2026 campaign with plenty of optimism as preparations continue for our tenth consecutive season in the top division of North East cricket.
Squad Updates
There are a number of new faces arriving at High Heworth this season. We’re pleased to welcome Ed Campion a Durham University student who plays his club cricket for Finchampstead in the Home Counties Premier League. A left-arm spinner and left-handed batter Ed has featured for Middlesex 2nd XI and represents Berkshire at Minor Counties level. Unfortunately Ed has suffered a broken finger in pre-season and will miss the opening fixtures with Ollie Morgan (Kent 2nd XI) set to deputise until he returns to fitness.
Jim Twiddy joins from Durham City and is regarded as one of the region’s most exciting young prospects. A left-arm spinner and capable batter Jim is part of the Durham Academy setup and made his Durham CCC 2nd XI debut at just 15 years old. He enjoyed an outstanding season last year taking 40 wickets at an average of 13 and we’re delighted to have him on board.
Hugo Knowles will also feature early in the season stepping in for Ishaq Khan who unfortunately picked up a stress fracture in his lower back during pre-season. We wish Ishaq a full and speedy recovery. Hugo joins from Richmond CC in the Middlesex Premier League and offers strength as an opening bowler alongside powerful lower-order hitting.
As previously announced, overseas signing Toby Robinson joins the club following an excellent season in NSW Premier Cricket and we’re all looking forward to seeing his impact this summer.
Sam Brigham also links up with the club following previous spells with Sunderland and Whitburn while Regan Hadfield joins having recently moved to the area from Oldham having played in the Greater Manchester Premier League for Royton CC adding further depth to the squad.
Joe Cracknell remains part of the club as a county contracted player and we look forward to welcoming him back into the side when his commitments allow.
Departures
We say a fond farewell to Joe Carroll who departs after 12 seasons with the club. Joe has been a fantastic servant to Felling making 255 appearances and scoring 4,005 runs before departing to join Norton CC.
Mo Hamid also moves on following a strong season with the 1st XI and we wish him all the best at Ryton.
Club Structure
Leadership remains unchanged, with Alan Mustard continuing as 1st XI captain. Jon Nicholls leads the 2nd XI into the top division following last season’s promotion, while Kurt Plumb continues to oversee the Sunday Academy side.
Off the field 2026 marks an exciting step forward for the club with the introduction of our first ever ladies team as East Gateshead Ladies join the North East softball league. In addition an existing girls summer camp will be hosted by Felling CC in partnership with Boomarang Healthcare and the Durham Cricket Foundation with further plans to be unveiled in due course. The club will field sides across all junior age groups including two girls teams and six mixed teams—further strengthening the future of cricket at High Heworth.
Early Season Fixtures
The season began with a pair of friendly T20 fixtures against Benwell Hill and Ponteland, with Felling competing in both matches. It proved to be an encouraging start, with the club winning both games in what was an excellent early runout for the squad.
League action follows with the 1st XI travelling to Jesmond to face Newcastle, while the 2nd XI host the reverse fixture at High Heworth Lane. In the second round of fixtures, the 1st XI are on the road once again to take on reigning champions Burnmoor, as the 2nd XI welcome Tynedale. The Sunday Academy side also begin their campaign away at Tynemouth.
It’s a busy start for the 1st XI, who also face a double weekend as they welcome Clifton Alliance to High Heworth in the National Knockout competition.
With a blend of exciting new talent, strong leadership, and continued development across all levels of the club, the 2026 season promises to be another exciting chapter for Felling Cricket Club.
The club would like to formally thank our main sponsor, Tyne Values, for their ongoing support ahead of the 2026 season.
