Devon Cricket Board - Ford confident Bideford can sustain A Division status

Ford confident Bideford can sustain A Division status

BIDEFORD skipper James Ford is confident the bandwagon won’t be stalling in the A Division this season.
Two successive promotions have seen the club reach the second highest tier in the Devon League for the first time since 1998.
After a 17-year absence, it is a level Ford (pictured) is confident of maintaining.
“We’ve had two great seasons in a row with a young team, most of whom have come up through our youth system,” said Ford.
“They’re confident, fit, up for the challenge and can’t wait to get started.”
One player who won’t be around this season is all-rounder Josh King, who has taken the well-trodden path to nearby Premier side North Devon.
“It’s sad to see Josh King going after being big part of our double promotion and the club wish him well for this season,” said Ford.
“But, as a club, we have achieved what we set out to do and get A Division cricket with the main purpose being we don’t lose our better players to play a higher standard and stop being a feeder club for others.
“Our youth system regularly produces county and district players and we are looking forward to the next generation coming through and seeing them play at Westward Ho!”
Ford leads a youthful team into the A Division, with a young and talented vice-captain in Paul Heard (left), who arrived from North Devon last term.
Pre-season nets start in Bideford College on March 6 at 7pm and players new and old are welcome.
Ford is looking to strengthen the batting this year, so any batsmen who would like the opportunity to challenge themselves by playing in the A Division are more than welcome to come along.
See the club website for more details www.bidefordcc.co.uk, or call Ford on 01271 860482.
The club’s new president is Brian Champion, who takes over from the late Peter Adams.

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