CONRAD SUTCLIFFE REPORTING
IPPLEPEN have asked Matt Beasant to take over as captain for the B Division season just over the horizon in the Tolchards Devon Cricket League.
Ipplepen had an eventful start to the 2023 season which saw them winless after six games and looking for a new captain following the departure of Neil Hancock, who subsequently re-joined Paignton.
Mawgan Penrice stepped-in as captain and an immediate three-game winning streak started to turn things round. Second-half wins over Bovey Tracey, Chudleigh and Barton – all above Pens in the table – were enough to preserve B Division status for another season.
Penrice has chosen not to carry on as captain, but remains an integral part of Beasant’s team plans as a top-order batsman.
Beasant, who has had stints with Abbotskerswell, Torquay and South Devon in the past, was quick to pay tribute to the work done by his predecessor.
“It cannot be understated the role Mawgan played in stepping-up last year and leading from the front,” said 27-year-old Beasant.
Beasant will inherit the bulk of last season’s first-team pool of players, as well as two old faces now back at Moor Lane.
The Stanley brothers – Callum and Reuben – have returned following a wander round the area that has taken them to Bovey Tracey and Torquay.
“Reuben has recently qualified as a level-two coach and will assist in leading the club’s senior training sessions,” said Beasant.
“More importantly, Reuben is the lead coach for our Allstars and the future Minipens.”
Hugo Denman – all 6ft 6ins of him – has arrived from Chagford and is seen as a strike bowler in the making.
Big-hitting Sam Wakeham will be back from a winter playing in Australia in time for the start of the DCL season in May.
“Hopefully, he will bring some form back with him,” said Beasant.
Ipplepen’s big success story during the close season has been hanging on to the next generation of young players who have worked their way into the first team.
“George Tapley, Noah Rider, Freddie Harvey and Toby Holroyd have had a winter of being asked to join clubs playing in the higher divisions, but I am delighted to say they have all decided to stay,” said Beasant.
“This speaks volumes for our junior set-up. Not only are the lads good enough to be pestered to play a higher standard, but they are loyal to each other and want to play together, win together and to help bring on the next crop of juniors.”
The only significant departure during the winter has been Sam Hennessy, who has moved to Cornwall due to work.
Adam Peters remains as 2nd XI captain with David Alsop at the third-team helm.
Nets start at Coombeshead Academy, Newton Abbot on March 10 between 2-4pm. Junior and senior registration night is Friday, April 19.
