EXMOUTH 2nd X captain Richard Baggs has been busy strengthening his playing resources for another crack at promotion out of the Tolchards DCL C Division East.

Ethan Brenton, a youngster who bats and bowls, has returned to the Maer Ground after a season along the coast at Sidmouth.

Brenton went through the Exmouth youth system from age 12 upwards and caught the eye in adult cricket with a five-wicket haul against Feniton back in 2018 when he was just shy of his 13th birthday.

Tom Clay, an aggressive batsman who can also keep wicket, is also on the way from the Fortfield to the Maer.

Clay is an 11-season veteran of Sidmouth sides and his rapid 80 off 54 balls against Bradninch & Kentisbeare 2nd XI last season showed what he can do.

Well-travelled Adrian Pullin, most recently with Ottery St Mary, will be an Exmouth player for the first time this summer.

Pullin, still going strong at 55, has previously been with DCL sides Feniton, Honiton and Cullompton and is one of two new signings plugging big gaps in the side.

Seamer Johnny Martin and batter Sean Day have both returned to former club South Devon due to changes in their working lives that meant finding a club closer to home.

Martin, in particular, is one of the meanest bowlers on the lower-division circuit and Pullin will be bowling his overs. He can also bat a bit to and is welcome addition to the squad.

“Adrian is a competitive bowler and will do a job for us,” said Baggs.

“We need a little experience in the middle order so having Adrian helps.”

Pullin has clocked-up more than 40 years in club cricket since making his debut as a 15-year-old for Aston Clinton CC in Buckinghamshire.

“My dad was asked by a man in a pub if I played cricket – I was actually a boxer at the time – and I had a go,” said Pullin.

“The first five times I batted I got ducks – three of them goldens – but the following season I scored my first ton. I think I have made around 40 since then.

“I moved to Devon in 1989 ­– I would have been 20 or 21 at the time - and started playing with Brian Cann at Honiton.”

Pullin’s performances attracted the attention of clubs further up the league ladder than Honiton or later Feniton, but other sporting commitments meant he turned them down.

“Seaton asked me to go there, but football got in the way as I could not commit to playing an entire season of cricket,” said Pullin.

“I played football for Ottery for quite a long time, also Exmouth, Budleigh Salterton, Stoke Gabriel and, briefly Taunton Town. At that level there are incentives to play.”

Pullin’s football days are long in the past now, but cricket remains a Saturday afternoon attraction. When Baggs came calling, Pullin did not need much persuading to make the move.

“I feel I am still competitive with bat and ball and when Baggsie asked me to step-up a division at Exmouth I thought why not give it one more go while I still can?” said Pullin.

Seamer Jeff Coombe has moved into the area from Hampshire and hooked-up with his local club.

“Jeff is going to be playing for Devon over-50s second team and bowls nice seamers,” said Baggs.