Flashback! Babbacombe's Steve Broad and Seb Loram with last season's DCL divisional champions trophies<br>credit: Conrad Sutcliffe

BABBACOMBE CC’s return to the Tolchards Devon League B Division after an absence of ten seasons coincides with the club’s 125th anniversary celebrations.

The club is making special plans to celebrate the landmark, including a Past-versus-Present players match, a summer party and a gala evening with a well-known guest speaker in a local hotel at the season’s end.

The club’s second eleven also enjoyed a promotion season and will compete in the E West Division against several first teams.

These on-field successes have led to Babbacombe forming a new third team that will compete in the Devon League.

Ron Thomson, Babbacombe’s team manager, said creating a third team was a necessity for the future of the club.

“The new third team as a vehicle for emerging colts players, as well as players who would otherwise miss out on selection,” said Thomson.

Steve Broad will remain at the helm of the first team with the experienced Damon Calland continuing as his deputy.

South African all-rounder Dean Peall is set to return to the club in its bid to consolidate its position in this higher echelon.

Thomson said ‘other recruitments’ are being lined up to strengthen the squad.

Indoor nets begin on February 13 in the sports hall at Spires School. A full programme of friendly fixtures has been organised before the season starts in May.

New players of any standard interested in joining the club should contact Thomson on 07973500654’