ALL-rounder Hal Kerton is on his way back to Plymstock next season as the Dean Cross club gears up for a promotion push.

Kerton, who made his long-anticipated debut for Devon in the final game of the 2018 season against Shropshire, went through the youth ranks at Plymstock before switching to Premier side Plymouth in 2014.

Five seasons later Kerton is on his way back to Plymstock, where new captain Teddy Richards is aiming to build squad capable of winning promotion from the Tolchards Devon League B Division.

Senior player James Nicholls, who is working closely with Richards on recruitment, said interest in the club is booming.

“Hal coming back is our headline signing, but we have several more players committed to joining or coming back to us next season,” said Nicholls.

“The Mulberry brothers – Ollie and Dom – are keen to play for us again, which means we have an opening batsman and a left-arm seamer.

“Johnny Norman, who has played lots of B Division cricket for Ipplepen, is studying in Plymouth and has decided to join us.

“Richard West – he bats and bowls - is coming across from Plymouth and left-armer Pat Hobbs is joining us full-time from Yelverton. Pat has played Plymouth & District cricket for us midweek.”

Nicholls said Plymstock have one more signing in the pipeline: an overseas player.

“You can be competitive in the B Division without and overseas, as Seaton showed last year,” said Nicholls.

“Barton and Tavistock, the sides who went up, did have an overseas player, which made a difference.”

Nicholls said Plymstock had invested heavily in improving the square at Dean Cross, which helped make the club attractive to potential new recruits.

“Now we are looking to get back in the A Division,” said Nicholls.