Devon Women start their Royal London Women’s County Championship this Bank Holiday weekend with a double header against Hampshire and Essex.
First up is newly promoted Hampshire on Sunday, they then travel on to Braintree where they face Essex on Bank Holiday Monday.
“We’ve wintered well and have a good squad of players to draw from -with a number of the younger players showing what they can do in training, it’s given real competition for places” said Head Coach Trevor Griffin. “We’ve a settled team to start our campaign -Lydia Clements isn’t available on Monday and Becca Silk the same on Sunday so it’s just 1 in 1 out, the other 11 will remain unchanged” continued Trevor.
Hampshire are not new to Devon having met in the last round of the T20 fixtures last season where Hampshire won to take the second promotion spot. “They’re a young team, full of fighters who never give up until the last ball. We saw that last year in the T20 competition but this is 50 overs and a new division for them, they’ll be keen to start their season well so it should be a good challenge for us” said Trevor.
One thing that has been noticed is the increase in overseas players. Devon will be one of only 2 teams in the division without one, Wales being the other.
"I'm really excited to get going” said Captain Jodie Dibble. “I’m really happy with the squad and with Donners (Rebecca Donohue) and Rosalie back I believe we’re a stronger side than last season” continue Jodie. “We've shown progression and improvement on last year in key areas. There's a great atmosphere around the squad at the moment and we’re looking for this positivity to be taken on to the pitch. To win our two opening games away from home would be a perfect start to a really exciting season ahead. Let's hope the weather stays dry and it warms up a bit! "
Devon: Jodie Dibble (Sidmouth), Lauren Bowden (North Devon), Amara Carr (Plympton), Lydia Clements (North Devon), Aylish Cranstone (Exeter Uni), Rebecca Donohue (Plympton), Rosalie Fairbairn (Bovey Tracey), Hazelle Garton (Royal Navy), Amanda Higginbotham (Brixham), Alli Kelly (North Devon), Sophie McKenzie (Wadebridge), Cait O’Keefe (Plympton), Rebecca Silk (Exeter Uni)
Games start at 11am