The new cricket season is under starter’s orders

After a very encouraging week weather-wise, it’s time to warmly welcome back the Tolchards Devon Cricket League this Saturday. Eighteen weeks await local cricket lovers and the army of passionate and dedicated volunteers who keep the show on the road year after year.

Our only local Premier Division representatives this year are Paignton, where Harry Ward is the new captain. At the time of writing, I cannot confirm the identity of Paignton’s overseas signing, but they launch their campaign at picturesque Sidmouth.

Greater consistency, with both bat and ball, is needed for Paignton to avoid another relegation fight. That and some sparkle from whoever their overseas recruit is.

Defending champions Bradninch and Kentisbeare start at Knightshayes against Heathcoat, who will be competitive, and are looking to put the horrors of last year’s pavilion fire behind them. Another compelling opening day clash is Sandford at home to Exeter.

Expect Exeter to go well under new captain Clint McCabe, who has some impressive young talent to call on, including Somerset Academy’s Devon batter Seb Linnitt, former Torquay bowler Josh Nott and Exeter University student Raphael Weatherall. A lively opening bowler, who will play in early season games before returning to Northamptonshire CCC.

Cornwood are likely to be in contention too, especially if new signing Samarpit Joshi clicks. He has recent South Yorkshire league cricket experience. Cornwood take on newly-promoted North Devon at home, as the other promoted side Plymouth travel to Exmouth.

Torquay and Kingskerswell 1st XI commence another A Division campaign under Harry Passenger, who has returned from a winter in New Zealand. Promotion is the aim, and the return of South African wicketkeeper-batter Nathan Roux will help. Torquay and KK need more runs from further down the order and not just from their usually dependable top four.

With this in mind, young batting prospect Josh Thompson has joined from Babbacombe. In addition, Torquay and KK also welcome in bowling all-rounder Oscar Lovell from Teignmouth and Shaldon.

They have a tough opener at last year’s surprise package runners-up Bridestowe, who were denied promotion by not fulfilling the necessary ground and youth set-up requirements.

Torquay and KK will field four Saturday league sides in 2025. A new 4th XI join H Division Central and will play home games at Manor Drive, Kingskerswell, as will the 3rd XI in the new G Division Central.

Barton, Babbacombe and Stoke Gabriel have similarly expanded to field three league sides from the previous two, and Ipplepen have added a fourth league team. This encouraging expansion reflects favourably on the growing popularity of youth and girls’ cricket, as well as commendable hard work from clubs behind the scenes.

Bovey Tracey will be eyeing a swift return to the Premier after relegation and have kept many key players in order to do that. Seb Ansley captains the side and Slade van Staden, a 21-year-old wicketkeeper-batter from the Dolphins franchise in South Africa, is the overseas arrival. Bovey open the season at Hatherleigh.

Adding further local interest this year are Barton, back in the A Division following a very successful 2024. Steve Lewis will skipper but misses the start due to injury. Barton welcome Thorverton to Cricketfield Road on Saturday.

Expect the B Division to be competitive again and Stoke Gabriel to be challenging, especially with big-hitting opener Justin Pringle back for another year. Stoke host Plymstock on day one.

Ipplepen fell short of expectations last year. Australian Aidan Phillips joins, and they make the shortest of journeys down to Abbotskerswell on Saturday. Abbots also looking for much better after relegation from the A Division last season.

Brixham and South Devon should improve in C Division West, a division full of South Devon derbies. Brixham start at Chudleigh with Mohammed Arsal debuting as their overseas signing. South Devon are up the road at Ashburton.

Paignton 2nds will go close again with their mix of seasoned performers and upcoming young talent. They open at home to Teignmouth and Shaldon, who should also give another good account of themselves.

Babbacombe return to D Division West with a trip to Kenn. Dartington and Totnes find themselves in E Division West and at home to Abbotskerswell 2nds. Also in E, Stokeinteignhead, promoted last year, start at home to Plympton 2nds.

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.

It is my great privilege to again bring you the weekly roundups of local cricket action and I am looking forward to catching up with many familiar and new faces throughout the summer.

As always, I wish all local clubs a hugely enjoyable and successful season. May the sun shine and the runs flow!