Heard quits Bideford captaincy to play for Hatherleigh in Premier Division

Pastures New: Paul Heard, who will be playing for Heathcoat next season

By CONRAD SUTCLIFFE

BIDEFORD and former captain Paul Heard have parted company following the 1st XI’s relegation from the Tolchards Devon Cricket League A Division.

Heard, who was previously with North Devon before moving to Westward Ho! in 2014, has plumped for Premier returnees Hatherleigh.

Heard missed a month of the season due to injury, but still managed to take 33 wickets at less than 12 runs each – and chipped in with 200-plus runs.

Hatherleigh skipper Mark Lake had been looking to strengthen the side for another tilt at the Premier Division having only lasted a summer when the team were last their in 2018.

Tino Mutombodzi, the Zimbabwean all-rounder who scored 825 A Division runs and took 30 wickets, has already been signed-up for the 2020 season.

“Tino is confirmed for next season, which I am over the moon about,” said Lake.

Another player on the way out at Bideford is bowler Cameron Atkinson, who is making the short journey to North Devon.