Devon Cricket Board - Newman on way back to Budleigh

Newman on way back to Budleigh

BUDLEIGH Salterton have lined up challenging pre-season friendlies against the best in the Premier Division as part of their preparations for a promotion push.
The Otters were relegated from the top flight in 2013 and just missed out on an immediate return last season.
Budleigh paid the price for a slow start in 2014, winning just four of their first nine games.
They won seven out of nine in the second half of the season, but had left a bit too much to do and finished third, 23 points behind Plympton, who were promoted as runners-up.
The aim under new skipper Lloyd White – he has replaced Joel Murphy at the tiller – is to start winning from the word go.
After two games to shake off the winter rust – 1st XI v 2nd XI (April 18) followed by the short trip to Ottery St Mary for the 1st XI the following day – it gets tougher.
Budleigh will go to Exmouth on Saturday, April 25 to play last season’s joint runners-up in the Premier Division.
Twenty-four hours later Premier champions Sidmouth will be the visitors to Ottermouth in the final pre-season friendly.
“We have quite an extensive pre-season ahead at Budleigh in order to try and meet our expectations and ambitions for the season ahead,” said the new captain.
White is already at work squad building for next season.
Although Ben Phillips and James Burke have moved on – Phillips to coach at Somerset, Burke to play for Surrey – White has re-signed University of Exeter batter Rob Craze (pictured).
The Exeter University 1st XI vice-captain, who bats in the top order and also bowls tight off-spin, only managed five games last season but is available for the entire season.
And former Devon bowler Robbie Newman (left) has rejoined the club after moving back to Devon from Somerset. However his availability will be mixed due to school teaching commitments.
“Having the two Rob’s on board – Craze and Newman – is a huge boost,” said White.
Both will be crucial in the middle overs and will probably find themselves bowling together a lot of the time.
“Robbie’s experience will be invaluable to our side and It’s great to have him back.
“We will be a young-ish side this year but there is no doubt in my mind we will compete.
“Last year we caused upsets in the Twenty20 cup by beating Sidmouth and Heathcoat whilst losing to deserved winners Exmouth in the final.
“We did that without Ben Phillips and James Burke, who have both moved this season. I wish them both well in their future adventures.”
White is still looking for players, but not desperately.
“We are talking to a few who would really strengthen the club’s senior sides. but all in all the side is shaping well,” he said.
“We have more than enough depth to ensure we are at the top end of the table come August.”
The first training session for colts takes place this Sunday at Exmouth Community College (11am-1pm).
Senior practice begins on February 1 at Exmouth Community College between 1-3pm.

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