Medlock catches the eye as Paignton give next generation a chance

Queen

By CONRAD SUTCLIFFE

PAIGNTON skipper George Benton saw two young cricketers emerge as serious 1st XI players of the future during the shaved-down Devon League season.

Second-place in Premier West earned Paignton a tilt at Sandford in the runners-up semi-final, which a depleted team lost.

Luke Medlock – rising starIf that was the low note the highs were represented by players such as left-armer Cole Harford and batting all-rounder Luke Medlock registering performances.

In all cricket – first and second team, league and cup, friendly and otherwise – Medlock scored 334 runs in 12 games. Nine league wickets and four more in cups was a decent return with the ball.

“He has got one hell of a future if he carries on the way he's going,” said Benton.

Harford, whose early development was at Barton, got overs under his belt in the first team and could have had more than his handful of wickets.

“Cole is also a serious talent, but just needs a bit more confidence in his own game,” said Benton

Benton said the good thing about a reduced season with no relegation threat in the Premier Division was it allowed fringe and developing players to have a run in the first team. 

“A lot of players impressed me,” said Benton. It was a shame it was such a short season with not-a-lot to play for, but good to get some cricket in. 

“We can build for next season and work on a few things to improve personal performances to impact the team. We have got a great squad, but are still looking to improve.”