Braunton sign Lathwell and Reddick as squad building continues ahead of C East campaign in Tolchards DCL

Jamie Lathwell at the crease for former club Bideford

By CONRAD SUTCLIFFE

A FAMILIAR name will appear on the Braunton team sheet again this season after an absence of several years.

Mention ‘Lathwell’ and the first name that springs to mind is that of Mark Lathwell, who went from Braunton to play for Somerset and later England in the late 80s and through the 1990s.

Mark Lathwell returned to Braunton at the end of his pro career and carried on playing, which included a stint as 1stXI captain.

It won’t be Mark’s name on the team sheet though but that of his nephew Jamie, who has switched from B Division Bideford to play for the C Division East outfit.

This Lathwell is an opening bowler, not an opening batsman like his uncle, and his arrival could not have been better timed.

“Jamie is a great signing for us on two accounts,” said senior player and former Braunton captain Jon Baglow.

“We have lost Joe Barnes so Jamie is a great new-ball option. 

“Jamie has played at a higher level, so brings a bit of experience and knows a couple of the players already. He will be a useful middle-order bat as well. 

“I have played against Jamie a couple of times and have always been impressed so look forward to playing with him.”

Baglow, who played with uncle Mark before and after his time with Somerset, said Jamie will be the third generation of Lathwells to play at Kelsey.

“Lathwell is a big part of the history of Braunton CC,” said Baglow. 

“Paul, Jamie’s dad, played at the club for a number of years and Mark’s contribution is clear. 

“Derek, Jamie's granddad, played and coached here so it will be good to add to previous achievements.”

Braunton have also added batsman Sam Reddick to their roster. His last registered club was Thorverton, although he has also turned out for Exeter and Shobrooke Park.

“Sam is looking forward to playing some cricket after moving into the area at the beginning of the lockdown last year,” said Baglow. “He is a batsman, so will be good to get him playing some cricket and add some depth to the squad.”