Colwall Cricket Club is delighted to announce the appointment of former Essex and
Gloucestershire professional cricketer Mark Hardinges as our new Head of
Cricket and 1st XI Captain, as the club begins an exciting new chapter ahead of the
2027 season.
The appointment represents an important step for Colwall and signals our ambition
to build strongly for the future following relegation this season.
Mark succeeds Rob Cook, who has done an excellent job leading and supporting the
cricketing side of the club over recent years. The club would like to place on record
its sincere thanks to Rob for the considerable time, energy and commitment he has
given to Colwall and the important part he has played in moving the club forward.
We would also like to sincerely thank Max for stepping in as interim captain when
needed this season and for the commitment and passion he has shown in getting
things right for the players. He has helped build an excellent team spirit which will
serve us well going forward.
In Mark, Colwall has secured someone with a wealth of experience at the highest
levels of the domestic game, but equally importantly, someone who already
understands the club and what makes it special.
A former professional county cricketer, Mark brings a huge amount of leadership,
technical knowledge and experience. He is already very much part of the Colwall
family, having played for the club alongside his sons, Hugo and Henry. Henry has
established himself in Colwall’s 1st XI and recently represented Herefordshire at
National Counties level.
Speaking about his appointment, Mark said:
“Colwall is a club that I've thoroughly enjoyed being around over the past few
years, watching my sons develop their cricket here. While I haven't always
been able to play as regularly as I would have liked, the time is now right for
me to commit more fully and help drive the club forward
“I'm excited to work closely with our players and committee as we continue to
strengthen the club, create an environment where everyone can enjoy their
cricket and fulfil their potential, and hopefully achieve some success together
along the way. Colwall has a fantastic spirit and community, and I'm looking
forward to playing my part in its next chapter.”

A new direction for Colwall

While relegation was naturally disappointing, we see it as an opportunity to reset,
strengthen and be ambitious about what Colwall Cricket Club can become.
Mark’s role as Head of Cricket will extend beyond captaining the 1st XI. Working
alongside the club’s captains and committee, he will help establish a clear cricketing
direction across Colwall – improving the quality and structure of training, supporting
player development, strengthening the pathway between junior and senior cricket
and creating an environment in which players want to play, develop and thrive.
Developing our own young cricketers will remain central to that ambition, alongside
attracting quality players who share the club’s values and want to be part of where
we are heading.

Looking ahead to 2027

Preparations for next season have already begun. We have established a group that
is proactively exploring some exciting recruitment opportunities as we look to
strengthen our playing squads ahead of 2027.
We want to compete strongly following relegation, but our ambitions go further than
results alone: stronger training, better player development, greater opportunities for
younger cricketers, increased competition for places and ultimately stronger Colwall
teams throughout the club.
With a fantastic ground, a thriving club environment and a proud cricketing history,
we already have strong foundations. Mark’s professional experience, his connection
with Colwall and the ambition across the club give us a real opportunity to build
something special over the coming seasons.
The new chapter Starts now

Kim Berry - Proud Chairman of CCC