Kerton on way back to Plymouth for 2020 Premier campaign

Hal Kerton on the way to 26 wickets for Plymstock last season

By CONRAD SUTCLIFFE

ALL-rounder Hal Kerton is on the move again, this time back to Premier Division Plymouth for the 2020 season.

Kerton, who is 24, switched from Plymouth to B Division Plymstock for the 2019, a move that took him back to his roots.

Hal Kerton - back with Plymouth | Photo: ppauk.comKerton went through the age-group teams then started out in league cricket with Plymstock in 2010 before moving on to Plympton for the 2011 campaign.

Plymstock lured Kerton back for 2012 and 2013, but in 2014 he left for Plymouth, where he spent five seasons. He scored more than 1,600 league runs and took 63 Premier wickets.

Plymouth said au-revoir to Kerton at the end of the 2018 season, during which he made his debut in Devon’s Minor Counties side in a rain-ruined game against Shrophshire.

After a third stint at Plymstock, which produced 365 league runs and 26 wickets, Kerton is heading back to Plymouth.

Kerton said he had enjoyed his time back at Plymstock, but the ‘pull’ of the Premier Division proved irresistible.

“I am buzzing to be back at Plymouth CC,” said Kerton. “The squad is looking really strong and ambitious, which is exciting.

“I hope to carry on where I left off in 2018 to contribute with both bat and ball towards a successful season in 2020, where we will hopefully be competing at the top end of the table.

“I would like to mention Plymstock, who were brilliant to me this year and it was great being back.

“But the pull of playing Premier League cricket again was too much to turn down. I wish them all the very best.”

Jon Varcoe, the Plymouth captain, said: “It will be great to have Hal back as he brings so much to the club. 

“As well as being a talented all rounder who is proven at Premier level, his training ethic and attitude is something that will only benefit the club.”

James Nicholls, the Plymstock vice-captain, said he was sad to see Kerton heading back to Mount Wise but understood why.

“From what I have heard, he misses premier cricket so you can’t blame him,” said Nicholls.

“Hal is a good lad and a good cricketer and we wish him all the best.”

Kerton is the second player to commit to Plymouth’s Premier campaign in 2020.

Just a few days ago Varcoe confirmed the arrival of Devon opener James Degg from Torquay.