Callum French - aiming to recapture the buzz by switching to Heathcoat

HEATHCOAT’S new skipper Jackson Thompson has made his first signing for the summer ahead

Thompson, who succeeded Peter Randerson as 1st XI skipper unopposed at Heathcoat’s annual meeting, has recruited spin-bowling all-rounder Callum French from Exmouth.

French was vice-captain to Richard Baggs at Exmouth in 2018 and finished the season in charge of the side as Baggs formally stepped down to play in the 2nd XI.

Rumours have been circulating for a while that French and Exmouth were parting company and the player has now confirmed them.

French, who previously played for North Devon, said his appetite for the game had become jaded at Exmouth and he hoped a move to Heathcoat would revive it.

“I felt last season I had lost my enjoyment for the game and cricket is a game you have to enjoy if you are giving up eight hours a Saturday for.

“I get on well with the boys at Heathcoat. They train and play hard and enjoy a beer after the game.

“They want to be a successful club and win things and go the right way about doing that.

“I am excited to get playing and trying to recapture the buzz on a Saturday morning.”

Devon age-group player Ben Sapiecha, who left Exeter for Sidmouth last season, is on the move again, this time to Thorverton, where dad David and brother Marcus already play.