By CONRAD SUTCLIFFE

PREMIER champions Heathcoat will start their defence of the title won last summer with a visit from Exeter next season.

Heathcoat, who have just appointed Peter Randerson to replace departed title-winning skipper Jackson Thompson, won’t have to wait long to run into their former captain.

Thompson, who has returned to Premier new boys Cornwood after a three-year stint with Heathcoat, will be back at Knightshayes with the Corns in round four on May 23.

Cornwood, promoted as A Division champions, are at home to Bovey Tracey in their first game back in the top flight.

Hatherleigh, promoted as runners-up behind Cornwood, go to Sandford in their opening encounter.

Alphington & Countess Wear, who merged two clubs and three teams late last month, have been placed in the D Division East (1^stXI) and the G Division East (2^ndXI).

At the other end of the league in the H Division East there is a home debut for newcomers Newton Tracey against Axminster 2^ndXI.

Cullompton 3^rdXI, another new name for 2020, are at home to Topsham St James 2^ndXI.

The first round of fixtures in all 15 divisions is on May 2. The season concludes 18 weeks later on Saturday, August 29.

All next season’s fixtures can be viewed on line by visiting the league’s play-cricket website.