New Sandford captain Adam Small<br>credit: Conrad Sutcliffe – no re-use without copyright owner's consent

By CONRAD SUTCLIFFE

SANDFORD have appointed keeper-batsman Adam Small as their new captain for the 2026 season.

Small, who is 22, takes over the captaincy from 2023 Premier Division title title-winner Jackson Thompson. 

Thompson remains registered with Sandford, although his availability may be impacted by family commitments.

New captain Small will be following in the bootsteps of father Adrian, who was Sandford’s first team captain in in 2009 and 2010. 

Sandford have a history of sons following fathers into the 1st XI captaincy. The previous filial office holders include the Chris Theedom (1987-90) and son Matt (2011-12) as well as Nigel (1987) and Simon Ashplant (2013).

Small is currently playing league cricket for Cape Town in South Africa. It is a trip he has made regularly for the past five winters.

The first addition to Small’s playing roster is batter Harry Southgate, who has arrived from Heathcoat following their relegation from the Tolchards DCL Premier Division.

Southgate, a Bunbury Festival graduate at under-15 level in 2021, made his Premier debut for Heathcoat in 2022. Prior to that he turned out for Sampford Peverell & Tiverton.

Jamie Drew, the new Heathcoat captain, described Southgate’s departure as ‘frustrating and disappointing’.

Southgate has followed Jack Dart (Exmouth) out of Knightshayes since the end of last season.Harry Southgate – on board at Sandford

Sandford have also signed prolific lower-division run-getter Ben Chaloner from D West side Kenn.

Challoner, who joined Kenn in 2013 after moving into the area from Cheshire, has accumulated more than 3,500 first-team runs at an average in the low 40s.

In one warm-up appearance for the 2nd XI in 2025 – he had missed the first five weeks of the season – Chaloner whacked 210 not out from 112 balls.

James Mason, the Kenn captain, said it is always sad to see ‘a real servant’ leave, but h understood why.

“Ben has always been loyal to the club and we all wish him the best in his new adventure.

“Ben wanted to test his obvious skills at a higher level and I can understand that.

“Playing at Sandford, which is a belter of a batting track, will suit his aggressive game  and will allow him to really extend his obvious ability.

“Although Ben will be greatly missed, it will also give our younger players a chance to step up at three and develop their skills in a key batting slot.”