By CONRAD SUTCLIFFE

BOVEY Tracey have added all-rounder Jono Colegate to their first team squad for their assault on the Premier Division title in 2022.

Colegate, who will be 26 when the season starts next May, has been taking wickets and scoring runs for Dartington & Totnes since he was a 14-year-old playing in the third team under the leadership of Myles Sydenham.

Torquay lured Colegate away during 2016 for a season of Premier cricket by the seaside, but he returned to Foxhole the following summer and has been there ever since.

In the last two complete seasons – 2019 and 2021 – Colegate has been close to 400 league runs both times and aggregated 58 wickets.

Colegate said leaving Dartington & Totnes was a tough call, but the right one at this stage of his cricketing life.

“It is always hard leaving the club you have been at since a colt, especially when your family still play there, but I wouldn't have made the move if they weren't so supportive,” said Colegate.

“I am looking for a challenge and, after a few training sessions at Bovey,  think I will get that next season.

“Very excited for the season ahead, not just for the cricket but also to meet some new faces.”

Lewis Hammett, the Bovey Tracey captain, said he was happy being at the front of the queue for Colegate.

“A lot of clubs were after him including Torquay, Plymouth and Ipplepen,” said Hammett, who has already recruited Jake Pascoe from Ashburton.

“Jono is another lad who sees all the positives about Bovey Tracey on and off the pitch. 

“Jono came to a net with us before the end of last season and bowled at good pace in good areas.

“I watched him take four or five wickets against Plymstock in the B Division and he was just too good for them.

“We look forward to having a talented all-rounder in the squad and think he will have an impact at Premier Division level.”

Mick Rusling, the Dartington & Totnes chairman, said: “I wish Jono well and expect he will be very successful in Premier cricket.”