OLD Hill intend to put their faith in youth after the Haden Hill side secured their Birmingham League Division One status this season.

Skipper Danny Cox said: “We’ve put a plan in place where we will continue to promote the youngsters.

“We brought five players up from the seconds this season and they’ve all done well.”

Cox picked out 17-year-old wicketkeeper Dan Brosnan, Jared Daniels and brothers Jimmy and Nathan Howell, who have arrived at Old Hill this season from Staffordshire side Beacon.

Cox added: “Jimmy Howell, who is 20, has been a real surprise package scoring more 400 runs. His brother Nathan, who is 18 and Jared, who has just turned 21, have both scored centuries and have really come to prominence.

“But there are others waiting in the wings too, such as 17-year-old Tom Genders and Joe Thorn, who has thankfully recovered from a bout of suspected meningitus.

“We already have Mike Hingley, who at 20, is already an established opener with more than 500 runs this season.”

Cox, who confirmed he would continue to lead the side next season, also paid tribute to Old Hill’s huge army of supporters and said: “They’ve been absolutely fantastic and really got behind us.”