New Plymouth skipper dismisses 'one-man-team' tag | 'To those who say we were ‘a one-man team’ I would point out we finished third last season even though Faz only scored 300 runs'

Richard Goldsby-West, who has taken over as Plymouth captain

By CONRAD SUTCLIFFE

PLYMOUTH are entering a new era this season that won’t include their prolific run-getter Faizan Riaz.

The Pakistani professional racked-up 3,692 runs in four seasons at Mount Wise with stats that include 16 centuries and 14 scores of 50 or more.

Riaz is playing for Audley CC in the North Staffs and South Cheshire League this season, where he has only made 48 runs in three games so far.

Richard Goldsby-West, the new Plymouth captain, said he is confident Riaz won’t be missed as badly as some people might think.

“Faz was a fantastic player in his time with us but scored most of his runs in his first three seasons,” said Goldsby-West.

“To those who say we were ‘a one-man team’ I would point out we finished third last season even though Faz only scored 300 runs.

“I think we have shown we can manage without Faz and I am certainly not worried about him going.”

Plymouth’s new overseas player is South African Jerome Bossr, He is first and foremost a left-handed batsman but also bowls as well.

Riaz isn’t the only departure over the winter as Devon pace bowler Dan Goodey is working in Hampshire and has re-joined Bashley, where he played while a student.

Gone, too, is all-rounder Hal Kerton, who was initially appointed as captain in succession to Jon Varcoe, but withdrew during the close season and has now re-joined Plymstock, for a third stint at the club.

Incoming at Mount Wise are Adam Talbot from Cornwood, a bowling all-rounder, keeper-batter Matt Witcher from Tavistock, batsman Ioan Phillips, studying at University of Plymouth, and Ben Stein, who has rejoined after a spell living in Wales.

Goldsby-West, who has replaced Kerton, said saying farewell to old faces was not a setback but an opportunity.

“It is a real chance for guys at the club to push and show their true potential in the Premier Division,” said Goldsby-West.