- 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
SIDMOUTH skipper Will Murray (pictured, above) is on a softly-softly recruiting mission as the new season draws closer.
The 2012 Premier Division champions finished runners-up behind Exmouth last season and want the crown back this summer.
Murray is looking to strengthen his squad in one or two areas, but isn’t going in for a complete rebuild.
“We want to be a progressive club, but we don’t want to bring in overseas players and others if it is going to limit the chances of our own youngsters coming through,” said Murray.
“It is a catch 22 situation is some respects and one you have to watch closely.
“Exmouth beat us twice in three games last season and we want to be more competitive this year.
“It is important to get back on track and return to the sort of cricket we played successfully in the five years up to last season.”
Murray has an opening bowler on his wanted list and may be tempted by an Australian.
“There is one we have been in touch with who is playing Grade cricket and something may come if that,” said Murray.
“What we didn’t do often enough last season was take early wickets and that needs addressing.”
Murray is also talking to a former Sidmouth player who moved away from the area a couple of years ago and is thinking of moving back.
Otherwise the squad will be much as it was with Murray having a succession of youngsters in the 2nd XI pressing their claims for selection.
Dan Powell, Harvey Sargent and Dom Bess have all impressed in the Devon youth ranks over the past couple of seasons. Sargent scored two centuries for Devon U15s on their tour of South Africa last month.
The job of brining the youngsters on has been passed to Murray’s former vice-captain Nick Gingell, who is taking over the 2nd XI this summer.
Gingell took a break from league cricket to play golf last summer, but rediscovered his appetite for the game before the end of the season and wants to do something useful.
“We seem to have a very strong 2nd XI squad this season and a lot of them will be 1st XI players of the future,” said Gingell.
“I see my job as 2nd XI captain as helping to prepare those who are going to be good enough for 1st XI cricket.
“When I played in the 1st XI last season I broke down a couple of times and felt the 2nd XI was beckoning for me.
“I have always enjoyed the challenge of being captain so if I am going to be in the 2nd XI I might as well be skipper.”