Paignton looking to surprise a few

 

PAIGNTON are looking to shake a few teams up in the A Division this season after a run-of-the-mill 2012.

It is always hard picking yourself up after relegation – and Paignton didn’t do too badly last year.

The finished fifth in the table, but were only 18 points short of Cornwood in the second promotion slot. The drop zone was nearly 90 points away.

Those stats suggest that Paignton are well placed to push for a Premier return this summer.

However, in the light of close-season changes, new skipper Connor Bryan is a little cautious in his remarks.

Devon batsman Seb Benton has gone to Exmouth – he notched four league tons last season and his runs will be missed – while ex-captain Andy Kingdon has decamped to E Division Babbacombe.

Keeper Simon Mantell has registered for Brixham, although as he lives in Plymouth it is hard to see him playing too often.

There have been some new arrivals – bowlers Aaron Hearne and Phil Allen are back from Abbotskerswell - and one familiar name from abroad.

Fast bowler Fanie de Villiers jnr is the son of the former South African Test star who, local cricket fans will remember, was Torquay’s overseas player in 1992.

The 89 wickets dad took that season remains a joint Premier record with fellow international Naveed Anjum (Barton 1990) and Stuart MacGill (Heathcoat 1997).


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