Ring the bell for a new Devon Cricket season

As long as one of the soggiest Springs in recent memory plays ball, the Tolchards Devon Cricket League returns on Saturday (May 4). Eighteen weeks await local cricket followers and the army of passionate, often overlooked, volunteers who keep the show on the road year after year.

The big story of the winter has been the merger of Torquay Cricket Club with Chelston and Kingskerswell. A bold move made to guarantee the medium to long term future of both clubs.

The newly named Torquay and Kingskerswell CC will field three Saturday league sides. The 1st XI will continue in A Division, under new captain Harry Passenger. They travel to promotion contenders Hatherleigh on day one.

A 2nd XI, led by Mike Etherington, will share Torquay’s Recreation Ground, playing in E Division West, with a 3rd XI based at Manor Drive, Kingskerswell in H Division Central.

At the time of writing, the club is awaiting visa clearance for a South African wicket keeper/batter to join and bolster the 1st XI.

Abbotskerswell captain Nick Watkin welcomes Inder and Parminder Singh from Clyst St. George. The brothers took fifty wickets between them last season. Australian all-rounder Ethan Lamers adds more depth to a useful looking squad, which should be competitive in an open looking A Division.

Abbots begin by hosting last season’s runners-up Kilmington at Two Mile Oak.

Noah Wright takes over from Mark Orchard as Paignton’s captain. They launch another Premier Division season at picturesque Knightshayes against Heathcoat. Always so much potential at Queens Park, but its consistency with both bat and ball that often lets them down.

Bovey Tracey had a terrific start to 2023, but a dreadful second half of the season, only avoiding relegation on account of Kilmington not being allowed promotion. Toby Codd is captain for 2024 and they will be looking to South African Musa Twala to contribute productively to an improved campaign.

Bovey have a difficult opener at Cornwood, a team worth keeping a close eye on having brought in young Devon batter Ben Privett from Plympton, alongside Jacob Caunter and Sri Lankan Naveen Fernando arrives with a glowing reputation.

Defending Premier champions Sandford will start at Exmouth. Elsewhere, on day one, Sidmouth take on newly promoted Exeter.

In B Division, Barton must adapt to life without Adam Parker as captain,something not seen at Cricketfield Road for fifteen years. Steve Lewis steps up to lead a club who still feel they should be higher than they are.

Ipplepen should be strong in the same division. New captain Matt Beasant welcomes Callum and Reuben Stanley from Torquay, alongside Hugo Denman from Chagford. Add in promising youngsters George Tapley and Noah Rider and Ipplepen look good value to challenge for promotion.

As do last season’s C Division West champions Stoke Gabriel, especially if big-hitting opener Justin Pringle gets amongst the runs again.

In week one, Stoke Gabriel are at Bovey Tracey 2nds. Ipplepen are at home to last year’s C Division East champions Teignmouth and Shaldon. Barton travel to Clyst St.George.

Brixham are aiming to go on one better than runners-up in C Division West. Joint captains Tom Hopper and Chris Lanyon are sure to both figure strongly again. They take on Ivybridge at North Boundary Road.

There will be some tempting local derbies in C Division West, a division that also includes Paignton 2nds and South Devon who meet at Queens Park on Saturday.

Babbacombe are back in D Division West with Dartington and Totnes. Stokeinteignhead should go well again in F Division West.

Just a reminder that Premier, A and B Division games start at 12.30pm. Other divisions at 1pm. Premier and A Division matches consist of 50 overs per side. B, C D and E 45 overs. F, G, H 40 overs.

I wish all our local clubs a hugely enjoyable and successful season. May the sun eventually shine and the runs flow!