Batsman's paradise at Lodge Quarry
Pro Gareth Pedder has also assumed the vice-captian's role
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Carnforth have a 'brains trust' in place as they look ahead to the 2011 season with cautious optimism.
Senior players Darren Moore, Adam 'Tiny' Hornby, Adam Cowperthwaite and professional Gareth Pedder have joint responsibility for team affairs in a re-jigged club structure headed by respected Club Chairman Andrew Kitchen.
Moore has stood down after two years as captain but remains a key man at the club though Hornby, captain in 2008, will be First XI captain once again.
"Basically a lot of the responsibility and organisation fell upon my shoulders and it was too much for one person," Moore explains. "My own game suffered and with work commitments as well it made things very difficult.
"Now more people have taken on responsibility and it's a structure that should work well. Tiny is the official captain and will have the final say on team selection and on-field matters. He's respected by everyone at the club and we're pleased to see him take on the role again.
"Gareth will be vice-captain. He's made a huge impact in his first two seasons as professional and has really grown into the role. He is involved in all aspects of the club and does a lot of the junior coaching. His performances on the field have been outstanding and he has grown in stature.
"Cowps is an experienced cricketer who has played for Cumberland and for Cardiff University. He's an excellent coach and now he's back living up here full-time has got a lot more involved with the club off the field.
"I'm delighted with the way things have worked out. I'm still involved but am no longer doing a lot of the things myself and I think we can move forward well."
Tom Barnfield has taken on webmaster responsibilities and will don the wicketkeeper's gloves on a permanent basis after opening batsman Ryan Nelson, a Cumberland selection in 2009, decided to concentrate on his batting.
"Tom is an enigma, a really talented sportsman who has the potential to be the best wicketkeeper-batsman in the league," says Moore. "Hopefully this will be the year that he shows just that. Ryan is a top player, so consistent and he's looking lean and hungry for runs."
With the consistent Darren Nelson joining Pedder and Cowperthwaite Carnforth have one of the best seam attacks in the league and if Warren Quinn, the 2009 Castle Award winner was available more regularly would have a fine all round attack. Sadly the appearances of the highly rated Quinn will again be severely restricted due to work commitments in London.
With skipper Hornby setting the lead Carnforth have arguably the best fielding side in the competition. "We pride ourselves on our fitness and the fielding drills are an important part of our preparation," Moore says. "A lot of the players have been playing football over the winter, some more successfully than others and so are pretty fit."
When Carnforth first joined the league in 2006 the Lodge Quarry ground was a batsman's paradise on many occasions. Those days could return as top groundsman Peter Robinson has returned to the Club and has transformed the look of the square and outfield over the winter months.
"Peter has done a superb job and the ground looks a picture," Moore says. "He's a master of his craft and I'm sure a lot of batsmen will be looking forward
to playing at Carnforth this year. But with a bowling pro I think we'll be trying to persuade him to leave a bit of grass on the pitch on occasions."
Carnforth finished 11th in 2010 with four wins and 15 defeats but have designs on a significant improvement. The role of Pedder (549 runs and 54 wickets in 2010) and Ryan Nelson (666 runs) will be crucial to those aspirations.
Garry Baxendale replaces Lee Potter as Second XI captain and has a big job on his hands after the side finished 2010 with the wooden spoon, with one win and 18 defeats.
Ryan Nelson is tipped for another big season
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