Another youngster who is making rapid progress with his cricket is Maxwell Jackson, who has firmly cemented his place in Hartlepool Cricket Club’s 1st XI. Whilst still a Junior player, Maxwell opened the bowling for the 1st XI and bowled with speed, accuracy and maturity. Across the 2022 cricket season, Maxwell took 36 wickets at an average of 22.25, with his best bowling figures being 6 for 30. Batting wise, 177 runs were scored at 11.80, with a highest score of 42 not out. He’s a great fielder too.

A former pupil at English Martyrs School Catholic School and Sixth Form College, in 2021 Maxwell received the Player of the Year Award from Cleveland Schools Cricket Association. Over the years Maxwell has played representative cricket for both “Cleveland Schools” and Durham County.

Maxwell has recently taken-up an “Academy Contract” with Durham, which is fantastic news and is very much deserved! He is spending time at Durham working on his fast bowling, plus his fitness, conditioning and strength. When not playing cricket, Maxwell continues to work hard at his educational studies at Brinkburn 6th Form College.

I’m extremely proud of how Maxwell has developed. He has come through the cricket coaching system at Hartlepool Cricket Club. When playing he always seeks to lead by example. He’s extremely supportive of the Junior players that he plays with. It’s no wonder he’s regarded at county level as being an outstanding prospect.

Louise, Maxwell’s Mother, is always watching him play games, transporting him to his various matches. His Grandfathers, David and George, are ever-present at matches too. I know the whole family are extremely proud of Maxwell, providing him with excellent support along his cricketing journey. Ian, Maxwell’s Father, was a fantastic cricketer for Hartlepool Cricket Club. He’s deeply missed. Ian’s passion for cricket and his cricketing skills are certainly shared by Maxwell.

I’m looking forward to seeing how Maxwell has progressed over the Winter period. The 1st XI’s opening league fixture of the 2023 campaign is a mouthwatering home game at Park Drive against the 2022 Premier Division champions, Middlesbrough, on Saturday, 15th April, 2023, with a 12.30pm start! I wonder whether Maxwell will again claim the prized wicket of former Hartlepool Cricket Club Professional, James Lowe? We’ll have to wait 107 days from today to find out!