- South Dartmoor back to winning ways in cups
- Tom Allin tournament raised more than £5,000 for air ambulance
- Taverners kit bag delivered to Sri Lankan youngsters
- Devon trying to contact the class of 56
- Paceman Tshepo running in Virgin London Marathon
- Five Devon women in Western Storm squad for Kia Super League
- Registration night for all ages at Topsham on Monday
- Lots pouring in for auction at Allin Memorial tournament
- Thames Valley Gentlemen Cricket Club
- Bradninch add Argentinian flavour to Devon League
- Ipplepen youth registration night on Friday
- Final call for Groundsmans first seminar this year
- Devon League official tackling London Marathon for charity
- Bovey on familiar territory in Aaron Printers Cup
- Brockman Cup - Cup Kings lie in wait for holders
- Shepherd Trust helps Kingsbridge build for sustainable future
- DCL - Umpire Appointments 2016 (May 7th - July 2nd)
- Long standing records beaten
- North Devon see off Paignton chase
SANDFORD’S last two Premier Division experiences haven’t put them off trying to get back in the top flight this term.
The Creedy Park outfit were relegated in 2012, promoted in 2013 and relegated again last season with only three wins to their name.
Skipper Jamie Palmer expects Sandford to be among the frontrunners this season and if promotion is the outcome that’s fine.
“Budleigh, Cornwood and Bradnnich, who have worked hard recruiting, all look like being up there and I will be surprised if we aren’t,” said Palmer.
“It is going to be a competitive division and will be difficult to get out of.
“If we do go up that’s fine, if we don’t it is not the end of the world.
“Ours is quite a young side and if we have to spend a year in the A Division then have a go in 2016, it isn’t a problem.”
Sandford have lost two players to near neighbours Bradninch during the close season – overseas bowler Luandre Van Wyk and batter Laurence May.
May has family connections with Bradninch, but his rugby commitments with Cornish Pirates mean he won’t play that often.
“We only saw Lawrence seven or eight times last season, but when he did play he generally made an impact and we are sorry to see him go.
Gone, too, is squadman Scott Tremayne, who floated between the 1st and 2nd XIs last season. He has taken a cricket development officer’s job with Gloucestershire CB.
In coming are Zimbabwean all-rounder Prince Masuare, a left-hand batsman and seam bowler, who plays for the Mid-West Rhinos.
Much is expected of Masaure, when he gets here.
“There has been a delay with his visa, which means he won’t be here this Saturday, but should arrive for the week after,” said Palmer.
From closer to home comes Devon age-group player McAuley Harrison-Hooton, who plays with Palmer at Filleigh on Sundays in the North Devon League.
Harrison-Hooton was with North Devon before going to Filleigh and Palmer said he wants to have a crack at a higher level of cricket than the D Division.
Palmer has one more signing up his sleeve, but won’t be revealing him until the paperwork is through.
“He is a young keeper-batsman but until he has told his current club he is leaving I won’t be making it public who he is,” said Palmer.
Back in the fold this season is former Devon opening bowler Matt Theedom, who took 2014 off.
Theedom has said he only wants to play in the 2nd XI, but Palmer hopes the whiff of cut grass and heat rub might encourage him to return to 1st XI duty.
“If he does great, if not then having someone with his experience in the 2nd XI can only be good for our younger players,” said Palmer.
One to watch for the season ahead is young left-arm spinner Tom Williams, who played for Devon at U15 and U16 level last term.
“He did well in the 2nd XI and we will be looking to blood him this year,” said Palmer.