Paul Hindmarch is leaving Cockermouth to return to his hometown club Keswick for the 2022 season.
He had spent a season with Cockermouth as their professional in the Cumbria League Premier Division and previously had played for Carlisle.
In returning to his home town club at Fitz Park where he has also played, he will play alongside his brother Stevie who is also making a full return to the club, where he played as a youngster.
Club captain James McGown said: “I’m delighted! It’s fantastic to have two players of Stevie and Paul’s quality returning to play for their hometown club where they will have a big influence on and off the pitch.
“Stevie represented the north of England during his junior days and if he can get somewhere near those levels we’ll be adding a superb addition to the batting lineup.
“With regards to Paul, I’ve thoroughly enjoyed playing with Paul for the county last season and against him in the Cumbria Premier League. There’s no doubt with his all-round ability he adds strength to both our bowling and batting lineup. I’m excited to see him also help develop the number of talented players we have at the club.”
An explosive batsman, who can certainly pepper the boundaries, and an accomplished bowler Hindmarch will be a big asset to Keswick who rather faded to finish fourth in the Premier Division last season.
Gareth White, who was Cockermouth captain last season when Hindmarch was pro, said: “Paul was brilliant for us. He was fantastic in the changing room and in his overall role as a professional.
“He was unfortunate with his injuries with us but was always desperate to get on the field. Obviously, he will be a big miss and everyone at Cockermouth wishes him well for next season – except when he plays against Cockermouth.”
Born in Carlisle, Hindmarch went to school in Keswick, before signing for Durham, something he still ranks as a highlight of his cricketing career.
After playing for a few years in Durham’s Second XI, he returned to Cumberland, where he played minor counties cricket, while also developing his other skill – coaching.
He had a spell as cricket development officer for Cumbria Cricket, before becoming fast bowling coach for Surrey’s academy, and performance coach for their under-10s.
From there, he became head coach of the cricket academy at Whitgift School, who have a long tradition of cricket, and is where England batsman Jason Roy went.
It is an aspect of the game which gives Hindmarch as big a thrill as playing does.
Hindmarch has coached some top prospects during his spells at Surrey and Whitgift School, and some are already making a name for themselves at national and international level.
