Devon Cricket Board - Abbots facing test of strength

Abbots facing test of strength

ABBOTSKERSWELL will run into their old boys first time out as they make the short trip to Paignton.

Abbots have lost more players than they have gained for this season, which is going to make demands on their playing strength.

And one player Abbots were looking forward to welcoming won’t be coming at all.

Batting all-rounder Tom Durman was lined-up to come over from Ashburton and played for Abbots all winter indoors.

However, he has landed a dream job working on a cruise ship and won’t be playing for Abbots yet.

Gone from last year are Aron Owen – set to rejoin South Devon – and former coach and captain Mike Pugh.

Pugh, 46, wants a bit more of a role on a Saturday afternoon rather than batting in the bottom third of the order and has joined Babbacombe, a club within five minutes of where he lives.

Coming in are Mawgan Penrice from Torquay, Aussie swing bowler Ryan Williams and Charlie Garratt, a middle-order batsmen who was playing Birmingham League Premier Two cricket last season at Old Elizabethans.

Richard Acton has taken over as captain from Richard Lake, who has gone to Bovey Tracey.

Gone, too, is Josh Dowling to Stoke Gabriel of the B Division.

DCB Ltd, University of Exeter Sports Hall, Stocker Road, Exeter, Devon EX4 4QN Company Registration Number: 7024773