Alistair Selby, who is taking over as captain of Dartington & Totnes<br>credit: Al Stewart

AFTER suffering three successive relegations in the Tolchards DCL, the only way is up next summer for Dartington & Totnes.Jono Lloyd

An alarming slide down the league ladder has taken D&T from the B to the E Division West in successive seasons.

Mick Rusling, the D&T chairman, said the most recent relegation was hard to endure.

 “We were disappointed to get relegated last season and I think we would have stayed up but for injuries to key players,” said Rusling. 

“One of them was our previous captain, Joe Martin. He was badly missed but, hopefully, he will be fully fit next season.”

Alistair Selby has agreed to lead the side in 2025. He will take over from Aussie batter Jono Lloyd who, with 588 league runs, was the team’s leading scorer.

“We are hoping Jono will be returning as our overseas player,” said Rusling. 

Another batter who prospered in an otherwise disappointing season was veteran Justin Osborne, who 526 league runs included tons against Barton, Kenn and Plymouth CS&R. He also bagged 15 wickets – five of them against Kenn.

“Justin had his best-ever season with three centuries and we’re hoping for more of the same from him,” said Rusling.

Justin Osborne on the way to a century against Barton 2nd XI