PLYMPTON are going to need reinforcements in their bowling attack for next season’s campaign in the Tolchards DCL Premier Division after losing two of last summer’s regulars.
One the way out from Harewood Park are left-arm spinner Jacob Caunter and Devon pace-bowler Jonty Walliker.
Caunter, who is making the short trip to Cornwood, has been a regular fixture in Plympton’s 1st XI since the start of the 2017 season and has taken 128 Premier Division and A Division wickets at an average fractionally above 20 each.
Two half-centuries in 94 appearances for the 1st XI – the best 56 against Chudleigh in 2018 – suggest Caunter can bat a bit too.
Walliker, whose left-arm quick bowling contributed to Devon winning the NCA Western Division title in 2023, has been around Plympton’s 1st XI since the summer of 2018.
Seventy-two league wickets at a shade above 27 runs each include a career-best four for 25 in a five-wicket win over Cornwood back in 2019.
Walliker has been studying at university in Manchester and, having landed a job in the North West, has signed for Cheshire side Didsbury.
“I am working up there until the end of July so there is a chance I might be back in Devon in August, but that is undecided,” said Walliker.
Caunter and Walliker have followed batter Justin Wubbeling through the exit door since the end of last season. Wubbeling has switched to Premier rivals Bradninch & Kentisbeare.
Alex Carr, the Plympton captain, said all three departees will be missed.
“We have known for a while Jonty was planning on staying in Manchester so while he is a big loss it is no surprise,” said Carr.
“Jacob has friends at Cornwood and wants to play with them. He has been a solid member of our team for some time and we are sad to see him go.
“Justin is living closer to Bradninch than Plymouth these days and it was inevitable he would look for a club closer to home.
Carr is well aware there are other players on rival clubs’ wish lists and will be working hard to retain the rest of the squad and add a few new faces.
“I won’t pretend it will be anything other than a tricky season ahead – and we will need do some serious recruiting between now and then.
“I know rival clubs have been talking to our players and once two or three go it can be unsettling for the rest.
“Hopefully we can bring some new faces in – no names, but there are irons in the fire – and settle things down a bit.”
Carr is also hoping to see some of the club’s young players turn second-team potential into first-team performances. Among the players he has in mind are Callum Williams – the son of former 1st XI skipper Jeremy Williams – Jack Martin and Surya Suresh.
“All three have played in the first team already and they should get more opportunities next season,” said Carr.
