By CONRAD SUTCLIFFE

EXMOUTH have strengthened their bowling options for the 2021 squad by snapping up seamers Tom Bath and Rikki Kelly.

Bath played first-team cricket for Alphington from 2011 through to 2019 and took 78 wickets at an average below 20. His best day with the ball was against Whitchurch in 2017 when he took six wickets for 21 runs in a four-wicket win.

With three half-centuries and an average a shade over 21, Bath is entitled to be called a bowling all-rounder.

Although Bath was a one-club-man from 2009 onwards when he first appeared in the second team, his appearances could be sporadic. Only twice over 11 summers did he play more than six games in a season.

The frustration for Alphington captains over many seasons has been that Bath was on the semi-pro football circuit with Tiverton Town and latterly Dorchester Town. Soccer generally came first.

Exmouth hope to get between eight-10 games out of Bath in the season ahead.

Bath was a member of the Alphington side that gave Sidmouth II a scare all the way to the last over in the 2019 final of the Corinthian Cup. He will be reunited at the Maer with his former Alphington captain Stuart Shaw, who switched to Exmouth last season.

Kelly arrives from North Devon CC where he has made his debut in the third team back in 2008.

Kelly, another bowler with batting credentials and league half-centuries to his name, has been a reliable second-team bowler in Devon League cricket who has never let the 1st XI down when called on.

Pride of place in Kelly’s CV is a five-for-16 bowling return against Bovey back in 2011.

As Kelly works in Exeter during the week the move to Exmouth enables him to prepare properly for matches. He will be lodging with a team-mate on Friday nights rather than travelling back to Torridgeside.

Richard Baggs, the 2nd XI captain and recruiting sergeant at Exmouth CC, said Bath and Kelly add depth to the first and second-team squad.

“Tom and Rikki are two great signings for the club as both bring youth to the set up and will add energy to the side.

“Both are decent seam bowlers and Tom is a dangerous batter.

“We are still looking to strengthen both teams so hopefully more new faces to come.”