Chudleigh planning for future on and off the field under new skipper Will Heather

By CONRAD SUTCLIFFE

CHUDLEIGH have been investing for the future on and off the field as a new season in the Tolchards Devon Cricket League approaches.

Will Heather has taken over as 1stXI skipper following a three-year apprenticeship as vice-captain to his younger brother Matt.

Looking to the future the club has asked Adam Sercombe to act as vice-captain and skipper the club’s Twenty20 side. He will turn 18 just before the season starts.

New Chudleigh skipper Will HeatherThe Sercombe name is part of Chudleigh CC’s DNA as Adam and brother Bradley have followed granddad Colin and father Paul into the club.

Luke Quaintance, who is 20, will lead the friendly side to gain captaincy experience.

Although work commitments have obliged Matt Heather to step aside as captain, he will be available for most games and will have an active coaching role in the adult set-up.

Chudleigh’s 1stXI had a modest campaign in South Tier Two last summer, winning two out of four completed games in a cut-down programme.

The new skipper is keen to get cracking on a full programme of 18 games in the B Division.

“We are eager to get going after the shortened season last year,” said Heather.

“Availability is looking good this year and having Rob Clarke back for the season is a huge bonus. He has missed the majority of the last two seasons travelling.”

“Off the field, we have heavily invested in machinery, brand-new, roll-on covers for this season and are in the process of revamping our practice facilities. 

 “We have a long-term club sponsor in place with the Pension Drawdown Company, who are extremely supportive and have developed a great relationship with the club. We are extremely thankful for their on-going support.

“The club is in a good place going forward and we are hoping for a good, full season of cricket!”

Andy Robinson continues as 2nd XI captain and hopes to build on recent good seasons with a strong core of developing players. 

Having finished third in 2019 in a division dominated by Lustleigh and Chagford, Robinson’s men beat Plymouth CS&R in a Tier Three play off in 2020.

An optimistic Robinson said he is anticipating an ‘exciting year ahead’.

 “Looking forward to a great season with a side that has used lockdown to get fit and practice their skills,” said Robinson.

“Some players have shown huge improvements over recent seasons and this should be the year that they step up to start making match-winning contributions with bat and ball.”

Adult training is on Wednesday evenings throughout the season. Youth cricket training takes place on Friday evenings. To find out more about Chudleigh CC, contact Heather on 07920 218121 for more information.