By CONRAD SUTCLIFFE

BARTON Cricket Club’s newest signing has been explaining why he will be commuting 150 miles there and back to play home games for his new club in the season ahead.

Justin Saker, who made his name as a prolific run-scorer with North Devon side Filleigh between 2016-2018, has signed on the dotted line for the Cricketfield Road outfit.Justin Saker, who made nearly 2,800 runs for Filleigh in three seasons

The 30-year-old Australian racked up runs and piled up wickets for a pastime during his stint at Deer Park.

Saker had the summer off in 2019 – and although he registered with Braunton last season did not actually play as work commitments got in the way.

Now settled in this country with a new wife and a baby on the way, Saker wants to return to the cut and thrust of Tolchards Devon Cricket League while he can.

“My second and third seasons at Filleigh were played in the B Division and I think I held my own there,” said Saker.

“I have only ever played in the B and C Divisions of the Devon League and would like to have a go at a higher level.

“Barton have been trying to get me down there for a couple of years and now seems the right time to have a go with them in the A Division.

“Barton are keen to get back up into the Premier Division again and I would like to help them. I am not going to drive 150 miles there and back for home games just to make up the numbers.

Justin Saker“I turned 30 recently and if I want to play Premier cricket I don’t want to leave it much longer.

“Barton have some good young players and lads coming back from university during the season too. If they are good enough to get into the Premier Division I would like part of that gig.”

Saker scored nearly 2,800 runs combined in the Devon and North Devon leagues for Filleigh and an average a touch over 42. His top score was 176 off 109 balls in a 252-run win over Uplyme & Lyme Regis.

Barton saw what close quarters what Saker could do when he helped himself to 93 not out against them at Deer Park in 2017.

“That must have impressed them as I don’t remember scoring any runs at their place,” said Saker.

Sixty-five wickets at a fraction below 20 runs each underlined Saker’s all-rounder credentials.

Justin Saker was brought up on the east coast of Australia in Coff’s Harbour and played cricket at Nana Glen in New South Wales. He was 1st XI captain for two years.

When Saker’s uncle Dave came over to coach in the UK in Gloucestershire, his nephew followed in 2014 and played for Shipston in the Cotswold Hills League.

Filleigh came calling in 2016 and Saker’s three seasons there coincided with the club being promoted into the Devon League B Division for the first time.