By CONRAD SUTCLIFFE

SANDFORD have lined-up a Zimbabwean all-rounder as their overseas player for the Premier campaign ahead in the Tolchards Devon Cricket League.

Providing there are no Coronavirus restrictions in place during late April and early May, Johnathan Campbell will be jetting-in to play for the Creedy Park crew.

Campbell, who plays First Class cricket at home for Rangers in the Logan Cup competition, is primarily a batsman who also bowls some leg-spin. He has scored runs for Rangers in First Class and List A competitions since making his debut in 2019. He averages 28 in red-ball cricket and 42 in the 50-over game.

Cricket is in Campbell’s blood as batsman dad Alistair played in 60 Tests for Zimbabwe and keeper uncle Don turned out for Mashonaland and Midlands for 11 seasons.

Campbell junior is serious about making a career in the game and has gained experience in club cricket in Scotland, South Africa, Cheshire and Lancashire. He also played for Boost Defenders (2017) and Speen Ghar Tigers (2019) in Afghanistan T20 Shpageeza League

Two seasons in the Cheshire League with Widnes produced more than 1,400 runs at an average in the low 30s with a top score of 116 against Grappenhall. Forty wickets at 24.18 also caught the eye of Sandford captain Richard Foan, although that is a bonus rather than the main reason for engaging Campbell.

“The main reason is his level-two coaching credentials coupled to an excellent attitude to the game and his enthusiasm,” said Foan.

“We have a massive junior section and a lot of adults who will benefit from having a top coach at the club. 

“Being from good cricketing stock he has a great knowledge of the game. 

“Johnathan can bat in different positions and has a good knowledge of English conditions.

“As a player he bowls a bit of spin, which we lack especially on a lot of spinning wickets. 

And I have been told his fielding is ‘next level’, so good luck taking a quick run to him.”

Campbell joins ex-Devon seamer Josh King, former MCC young cricketer Richard Hopwood and Devon youth batter Lawrence Walker as new faces in the dressing room.

Said Foan: “We have brought some real quality into the club this summer to add to some very good players we already have we are all excited for the season to start.

““Everyone is available from last summer so there will be plenty of competition for places and a few selection headaches ahead, which is great for the club.”