BRADNINCH & Kentisbeare have already started squad strengthening for their Premier Division title push in 2024.

The Ninch, champs in 2022, finished a distant second behind Sandford in the 2023 table and are keen to regain the title next summer.

Skipper Gary Chappell has recruited keeper-batsman Justin Wubbeling from Plympton and young all-rounder Jonathan's Triner from Ottery St Mary next season’s tilt at the title.

Wubbeling has clocked-up 99 league appearances for Plympton since he arrived from South Africa in 2017 as the club’s overseas player.

His total of 2,925 league runs in the Premier and A Divisions of the Tolchards DCL includes 18 half-centuries and four tons – the best of them 154 against Kilmington in 2022 during a stand of 280 with Elliot Hamilton (208no).

Wubbeling’s very occasional bowling, only seen when he is not keeping wicket, includes a three-for-40 return against Abbotskerswell back in 2018. 

Gary Chappell, the Bradninch & Kentisbeare captain, said having seen what Wubbeling (pictured, right) is capable of close-up he was glad to get him on board.

“Justin will add a lot of quality to the batting and showed what he can do last season with a 100 against us at Bradninch.

“He lives in Exeter and was looking to play closer to home as the travel to Plympton became too much.

“It made sense for Justin to join us for cricket, personal and social reasons, given a lot of us live in Exeter.”

Plympton have yet to comment on Wubbeling’s departure.

Triner, who bats and bowls, has been playing league cricket for Ottery since 2018 when he was still an under-13 age-group player.

Devon have known about Triner from the age of 11 upwards and he has featured in county youth teams through to the Development and under-18 sides.

He has been a permanent fixture in the Ottery St Mary first team for the past three seasons, clocking-up 1,502 runs at an average in the 30s. Six 50s and two tons – most recently 127 against Whimple – grabbed the attention of clubs further up the league ladder.

Triner also bowls and after scoring a ton against Whimple he took four of their wickets as they were bowled-out for 85.

Said Chappell: “Jonathan's Triner is one of the most talented youngsters around and we're delighted that he's decided to join us. 

“With an eye on the future he'll fit in well with the current youngsters we have and will play a big role with bat and ball.”

Although Ottery St Mary are accustomed to losing their emerging talent to Premier Division club, it does not get any easier for officials to digest.

Alex Clements, the outgoing Ottery captain, said: “A bit like Matt Jeacock (Sandford) last year in that we knew it would be coming.

“Clearly we are disappointed to lose someone with Jonathan's ability as we feel we're very close to getting up to B Division.

“But it’s also our fault for not being consistent enough and getting promoted. We wish Jonathan all the best and hope he thrives at the top level.”