Heathcoat skipper Randerson looking to pick up where title-winning season finished

Confident: Heathcoat captain Peter Randerson

PREMIER PREVIEWS By CONRAD SUTCLIFFE

HEATHCOAT captain Peter Randerson is confident his team will shine in the cut-down Premier Tier programme due to start today with a home game against North Devon.

Heathcoat won the Premier Division title with time to spare last season, the first time the trophy had found its way to Knightshayes.

Randerson believes that winning form will continue even though Heathcoat intend giving young players senior opportunities.

“Our season we be similar to the last one and will look the same as the next,” said Randerson.

Bovey's first team captain Toby Codd | Photo: Mark Lockett

“We are going to give the most opportunity where possible for our youngest players to develop and have a chance to succeed at any every level. 

“This summer will provide a string of players overs and batting positions in first and second team cricket that might not of happened before.”

Second team captain Matt Hague is in the side for today’s game against North Devon, which leaves Dylan Penberthy in charge of the 2nds.

In line with the club’s development policy there are first team chances for fast bowler Joe Hancock and former Devon U15 captain and batter Joe Du'Gay.

Heathcoat aren’t the only club looking to use the rump of the season for development purposes.

Exeter, where county age-group batter Sam Read has arrived from Clyst St George, are also pushing their youngsters forward.

Tom Pedel, the Exeter captain, said his target is: “Just to bring through some of the youngsters and give them a bit more first-team experience. 

“Hopefully we can get a few good results, but first and foremost it's just good to have a bit of structured cricket in this latter part of the summer.”

Exeter are at home to Cullompton today.

Similar sentiments were echoed by Bovey Tracey skipper Toby Codd ahead of today’s game at home against Bradninch.

“We'll be looking to give youth a really good chance as there's no relegation,” said Codd.Bradley Causey - the new 2nd XI skipper at Bovey Tracey

“That means we'll be rotating quite a lot and making sure everyone gets a good opportunity with a view towards next season. 

“That being said we will be looking to win every game.”

Consistent with their youth development policy Bovey have asked 22-year-old Bradley Causey to assume the 2ndXI captaincy.

Causey has taken over from veteran Jeremy Christophers, who has stepped aside for shielding reasons.

"It seemed like a good opportunity to give Bradley experience of captaincy without too much pressure in a team that includes seasoned former 1st XI players he can turn to for advice," said Bovey chairman Nigel Mountford.

Elsewhere in the Premier Tier there is a derby date at Ottermouth where Budleigh Salterton host Exmouth, who last won at that venue back in 1998 when Richard Parker hit a half-century in a four-wicket win.

Seaton face Sidmouth in the league for the first time since the summer of 2000. Sidmouth’s Anthony Griffiths has happy memories of the last meeting as he stroked a Premier best of 140.

Today’s full Premier programme is: North: Heathcoat v North Devon, Sandford v Hatherleigh; West Paignton v Plympton, Plymouth v Cornwood; East: Sidmouth v Seaton, Budleigh v Exmouth; Central: Bovey Tracey v Bradninch; Exeter v Cullompton.