Hildreth signs for Sidmouth

SOMERSET vice-captain Jamie Hildreth could feature for Sidmouth this season after registering for the Devon Premier Division club.

Sidmouth didn’t go looking for Hildreth (below) – in fact the reverse was true.

All Somerset players have been told to fix themselves up with a league club and Hildreth picked Sidmouth.

“Jamie is good friends with Adam Dibble who is one of our players up at Somerset and approached us because he thinks Sidmouth is a good place to play,” said skipper Will Murray.

“I can understand some of the fringe players wanting game time in the Premier Division and that makes sense for everyone.

“Whether we see much of Jamie remains to be seen.

“Not that long ago he was being talked about as a possible England player, which tells you he is in the top draw of professional cricketers.

“I can’t imagine a situation where Jamie wouldn’t be playing for Somerset on a Saturday, but you never know.

“Even if he only plays one or two games, that will be good for us.

“And for the younger players in our team it will be a fantastic experience playing with someone like Jamie.”

One player who definitely will be turning out for Sidmouth this year is batting all-rounder Will Sobczak (pictured, right).

Sobczak played junior cricket at Sidmouth, graduating to the adult 3rd and 2nd XIs by the time he was 15.

He was at Millfield School and played age-group cricket from U14 upwards for Somerset rather than Devon.

Somerset offered Sobczak a place in their Academy in 2012, prompting him to sign up for West of England Premier side Ashcott & Shapwick, whose ground is near Millfield.

Sobczak played a handful of games for Somerset 2nd XI last season in the Second Eleven Championship and the one-day trophy.

He has been improving his cricket education in Australia this winter and Sidmouth skipper Murray is hoping to see the benefits.

“Will has been playing for South Perth in Western Australia, a club who have sent players over to us and Exeter for many years,” said Murray.

“South Perth’s policy is for overseas guests to play in the 2nd XI and, apart from one or two games in the firsts, that is where he has been.

“Will’s stats look pretty good. Nearly 600 runs at an average in the mid-30s and 16 wickets at around 20.

“Will wants to push himself even more this year, which is why he has come back to Sidmouth.”

Sidmouth still have no news on a potential overseas signing, although Murray isn’t too bothered.

“If we can get fixed up with one fine, if not then we will go with what we have got,” said Murray.


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