By CONRAD SUTCLIFFE
PAIGNTON appear to be planning for an all-out assault on the Tolchards Devon League Premier Division title if everything goes according to plan.
Clubs have been told by league officials to prepare for an 18-game season starting on time on May 1. Last week’s government road map back to normality paved the way for the return of recreational sport in late March, subject to conditions being met.
Paignton finished second behind champions Heathcoat in 2019 – their best league finish since winning the title back in 2005. George Benton, the Paignton captain, has unveiled two recruits that suggest he is serious about going all the way in 2021.
Sri Lankan all-rounder Sehan Weerasingre, who bats and bowls spin, will be Paignton’s overseas talent subject to border controls in place when he arrives.
Weerasingre, who is 25, averages around 30 in First Class cricket in Sri Lanka, where he plays for Nugegoda.
In two seasons playing for Lancashire club Brinscall in the Ribblesdale League (Yorkshire), Weerasingre has totted up 1,799 runs and taken 136 wickets.
“Our overseas player looks a great talent,” said Benton.
Benton’s other capture is his own older brother Seb, who is returning to Queen’s Park after a period working out of the area since 2015.
Benton senior, a batsman, went through the Devon youth ranks and graduated to second-team cricket with Warwickshire while studying at university. He played for Devon between 2009-2013 and was captain of Paignton 1stXI in 2011.
Exmouth lured Seb away at the end of the 2012 season and he was a member of their Premier-winning side the following summer. He joined Bath in 2015 and played regularly in their 1stXI for four seasons.
“My brother will be featuring for sure,” said Benton junior.
Now it has been announced there is likely to be a full league season, Paignton are the first club to announce their overseas player for 2021. Benton can barely wait to get cracking.
“Hopefully we can get back to some normality and play some proper cricket in a competitive season,” said Benton.
“Last season was frustrating but, thankfully, we have some good news. All the guys are keen to get going again.”
