Testing time for Kingsbridge as 2,000 league runs go walkabout + news from the C Division West

Ashburton

KINGSBRIDGE are expecting a tough season ahead after a player drain during the winter.

Kings were a respectable third in the C West table last season, but the team that got them there has broken up.

Run-getters Freddie Ford (659 in 2018) and Ashley Treeby (549) have departed for Bovey Tracey and the likelihood is Freddie’s father James (459) won’t be around either.

With James Fletcher (549) now living in Bristol that’s Kingsbridge’s top four run scorers from last season gone, never mind the 252 scored by one-season visitor Chiraq Appa.

A further complication skipper Bhanu DeSilva could have done without is losing 18-wicket bowler Sam Rhymes with a broken arm. 

“Having lost 2000-odd runs, never mind the wickets, it is probably just as well we were not promoted to the B,” said senior player Neal Peach.

“We will get two teams out, but our strength is going to be tested.”

Kingsbridge’s day one opponents are Dartington & Totnes, who have two new captains for the season ahead.

Long-serving Harold Stevenson has taken a step aside and been replaced by Nick Dennis and Harry Baxendale.

Dennis was voted in as captain but as he is not around at the start of the season Baxendale is in charge. Depending on how results go, it may stay that way…

Jono Colgate has finished his studies in Bournemouth and brings his batting prowess back to Foxhole.

D&T’s overseas player is 24-year-old South African all-rounder Phil Snyman.

BABBACOMBE’S unhappy return to the B Division has not put them off having another crack at promotion.

Four wins in 18 starts were not enough to save Babbacombe from dropping straight back to the C Division West.

Rob Redding has taken the helm from Steve Broad, who stood down after seven years and three promotions.

Redding has identified problems areas from last season he intends to address this term.

“Availability of key players, and never being able to put out the same side consistently, didn't help our position in the B Division,” said Redding.

“Hopefully availability will be better this year and with a few new signings we will be looking for a solid season in the C West. 

“We certainly have the ability to be up there at the end of the season if all goes well.”

Mike Pugh has taken his bat to Bovey Tracey 2nd XI this season and Stephen Lewis is trying the step-up to Premier cricket at Torquay.

In our Jamie Peters, an off-spinner from Barton, and South African al-rounder Dean Durrant.

Broad has worked hard in winter is looking fit for season ahead. 

“I can see him having a productive season with both bat and ball,” said Redding.

“Marcus Thompson, looking to make a return into 1st XI cricket also working hard to regain fitness over the winter. 

“I'm sure he will make a successful return at the top of the order. 

“Paul Bates and Tim Goodwin will be looking for another successful season with the ball after being our best bowlers last season in the B Division.”

ASHBURTON start their C Division campaign by making the long trip to Bridestowe.

There is little room for error in the C West as the spectre of three relegation places hangs over the bottom half of the table.

Ashes finished mid-table, but were only 10 points off the drop spots.

Ashley Berry, the captain, said another mid-table season would be acceptable, but with conditions.

“I am calling for more of the same as last year,” said Berry.

"After facing some turbulence at the beginning of last year, the lads rallied round and finished a solid mid table with nine wins. 

I say more of the same as I feel that the C West is still transiting, yet to settle and therefore hard to predict outcomes. 

"That said, what I do know is we as a club are in a good place so with players staying fit, I’d like a few more points on last year.

“Twelve months on we are in a much stronger position with some key personnel fit and available. 

"Regulars such as Will Coon (broken foot, out all season) and Marty Causey (knee, missed first third) now return from the start of this year. 

"Will replaces the one exit we have had this year, Dom Durman, with the ball.”

The overseas at Varwell Field is Arun Chelvan, a dental practitioner from Australia.

Steve Edmonds, who has played for Kingsbridge and Paignton in the past, is returning to cricket after a long break from the game.

MORE of the same is the plan for Shaldon Optimists’ skipper Todd Ballman as the new season looms.

Shaldon were fourth in a table with one promotion place last season, which is where Ballman would like to remain.

“Hopes for the season are to be towards the top of the table and challenge, just like we did last year,” said Ballman.

Ballman said the departed Ryan Bougard will be ‘a huge miss’ in the attack, but it has not been one-way out of the club.

“Lewis Jeffery, previously of Helston, looks a good addition,” said Ballman.

“We also have a couple of talented young players who will break in to the first team, including Josh Couch who has just toured South Africa with Devon and Will Greenwood, who has impressed in pre season. 

Shaldon have been talking to a former under-19 state player from South Africa who has played league cricket in this country before.

“We are hoping that an overseas player will be joining us in mid May but we are awaiting paperwork for that to be confirmed,” said Ballman.