By CONRAD SUTCLIFFE

HEATHCOAT skipper Peter Randerson has resisted the temptation to go on a recruiting drive ahead of the 2021 season.

Randerson’s side will start the season as the defending Premier champions having won the title for the first time in 2019. In last season’s Covid cut-down programme they were Premier tier runners-up to Sidmouth.

Heathcoat’s 2nd XI won their division in 2019, proving conclusively the strength in depth at Knightshayes these days.

Randerson said there was no point brining players in when Heathcoat had home-grown talent in the ranks.

“As a club we decided not to try to bring in several players to fill a couple of gaps,” said Randerson.

“Instead my plan is to fully utilise some of the lads who have done well in the second team, such as Jake Stoneman, Toby Lochead and James Gregson to name just a few.”

A player Randerson is keen to see in action this summer is young quick bowler Joe Hancock, who has been honing his game during the Covid crisis.

During a gap year after leaving Blundell’s School in Tiverton last summer Hancock has been coached at the Darren Lehmann Academy in Adelaide during the winter.

Five-wicket hauls in second-team cricket against Braunton and Barnstaple & Pilton in 2019 hinted at Hancock’s ability, which Randerson would like to deploy in the 1st XI.

“Joe come back desperate to make an impression and we are looking forward to seeing him bowl,” said Randerson.

Hancock has shown his worth for Adelaide University CC in the South Australia Cricket Association competition, where he has worked his way up from Third Grade rookie through the Second Grade team into the First Grade side.

A six-wicket haul against East Torrens on his Third Grade debut was the stepping stone into the second team.

Heathcoat had South African Malcolm Cloete as their bowling workhorse when the won the title in 2019. He took 44 wickets at less than 13 runs each.

Cloete has been tipped to join A Division North Devon this summer, which means Heathcoat need to find a new overseas player.

Randerson has someone in mind, but with uncertainty over travel restrictions is giving little away about the new man.

“I am hopeful our pro will come over, but will keep those cards close to my chest until his flights are booked,” said Randerson of the Australian-based UK passport holder he has lined up.

BRADNINCH skipper Eliot Acton has confirmed there won’t be an overseas player at Kensham Park this season.

Devon all-rounder Mitch Pugh was engaged last season as match pro and as he remains on board Acton sees no reason to look overseas at such a difficult time.

“I am not convinced the landscape for an overseas is brilliant as there is still some level of uncertainty this year,” said Acton.

“We have got Mitch and he is doing that role I guess.”

Acton is largely content with his playing resources at Kensham Park, especially as Charlie Walker should be more readily available this summer.

All-rounder Walker was on the MCC Young Cricketers’ programme in his teens and has played on and off for Bradninch since 2015 as well as appearing in the WEPL for Clevedon.

“Hoping we will see a bit more from Charlie Walker to add a bit more batting, but I don't think that will be more than half the games,” said Acton.

“I also have a few old players I should be getting some games out of so, with a bit of chopping and changing, we should be all right.”