Hodnett is aiming high

Grant Hodnett is combining playing and coaching at Moorside next season.

GRANT Hodnett is ready to raise the bar, on and off the field.

The former Gloucestershire opener has set himself a new challenge by signing as Moorside’s professional in 2014. Hodnett previously spent three hugely-successful years at Bamford Fieldhouse.

As well as leading Moorside’s pursuit of runs, he will play a key role in coaching the senior teams and juniors.

South African-born Hodnett (31), in Durban until next spring, said: “Coaching is something I’m passionate about.,”

“I’ve always been interested in coaching junior cricketers. It’s of great credit to the ECB that they are encouraging players with first-class experience to go into coaching, because they how important it is to raise standards.”

Hodnett enjoyed his most productive Saddleworth and District Cricket League campaign to date in 2013, making 1,616 runs at an average of 161.6.

He was not short of suitors when it became apparent that Bamford had no competition to play in next season, but chose Moorside.

Hodnett explained: “I scored 60 in a game at Moorside towards the end of last season. One of the blokes from the club asked if I wanted a chat and if we could come to some agreement.

“I’ve got strong links in the area; I wouldn't have been a problem playing somewhere fresh, but I feel more relaxed about staying here with people that I know. It’s a new challenge and Moorside have made me feel really welcome.”

With Hodnett, Richard Baines, Danny Ancho, Francis Sutherland and overseas amateur Francois Mostert in the side, the Turf Pit Lane club will be one of the front-runners for the title.