By CONRAD SUTCLIFFE

THORVERTON captain Andy Pitt will have two new faces in the Station Road dressing room when the B Division season finally gets under way in the Tolchards Devon League.

Dan Robbins, who was Shobrooke Park’s 1st XI captain last season, bats, bowls and fields. Robbins was Shobrooke’s leading bowler last season with 40 wickets at 15.43 each. Last season’s run return was exactly 500 at an average in the low 30s.

Alex Jopling, a Bridestowe regular for the past five years, has moved to Exeter to be closer to his work and joined Thorverton to reduce his weekend travelling.

Jopling has batted up and down the order for Bridestowe – he had a stint opening last season – but is best known for his spin bowling. He has taken 91 wickets in the league for the Moorlanders at an average below 20 and had a career best of five for nine against Yelverton last season.

Pitt said attracting players from Devon clubs was never easy so to pick up two at the same time was an unexpected bonus.

Pitt added: “Alex moved to Exeter last year and expressed and interest in joining us rather than travelling to and from Bridestowe for matches and training,” said Pitt.

“From the one session I saw him he looks like a really handy leg-spinner so it will be great to have another spin option available.”

On Robbins’ arrival, Pitt said: “I have admired Dan as a cricketer for a few years and have been trying to sign him for the last couple of seasons. 

"His situation changed at Shobrooke and he decided he wanted to move on so we were lucky that we're obviously in close proximity so it's not too far to travel. Dan adds some real strength to the side.”

As far as playing any cricket is concerned, Pitt said: “It's looking unlikely that we will get a full season in this year but hopefully we can get some kind of cricket in at some point during the summer.”