IPPLEPEN CC’s seniors are back in the nets as the countdown to the new season gets under way.
Top priority for 2019 is getting the 1st XI looking up not down as 2018 was something of a relegation battle.
A number of new signings during the winter – including the return of the Stanley brothers from Bovey Tracey - will bolster the squad with the aim of pushing at the top end of the division.
The 2nd XI provided the club's high point last year, winning promotion to the D Division West. There will be some testing cricket head in a division populated by a number of 1st XIs from other clubs, such as South Devon.
The 3rd XI will be hoping for a more productive season while helping to develop young players emerging from the junior section.
Increased playing numbers and availability will help to prevent repeats of situations in 2018 where the team had to play 'short' on several occasions.
Chris Partridge, Ipplepen’s head coach, has taken on an expanded brief as head of cricket development. He will be focusing more on strategy and sourcing wide-ranging support to improve the quality of adult cricket being played across the board at Moor Road.
"I am looking at all elements of the cricket program at Ipplepen, from men’s first team through to 3rd XI, the new women’s hardball team and our academy group for up-and-coming teenagers,” said Partridge.
“The aim is to find ways to improve outcomes for all players, especially making best use of the people we already have in and around the club.
“From a senior cricket angle, we have people connected to our club who have played Premier cricket and need to make sure the current 1st XI squad benefit from having them around.
“We also have within the club a qualified nutritionist, a PhD in skill acquisition and a top-level personal trainer.
“Although our players are amateurs playing for fun, if we can use some of their knowledge and skills to improve our players another five per cent then that has to be a good thing."
Pens' coaching crew includes Steve Short and Marcus Green, who were Premier Division title winners with Torquay in their pomp.
Men's senior training is taking place at Coombeshead Academy, Newton Abbot and continues through March. Women's senior training started on Wednesday at Barton CC's indoor net.
Potential joiners should should contact Partridge (07887 513800) or chairman Keith Wakeham (07540 053489).
