Devon Cricket Board - Hatherleigh recruit Kiwi batter

Hatherleigh recruit Kiwi batter

HATHERLEIGH have signed New Zealander Carl Schwarz in the hope of boosting their batting line up for the season ahead.
Schwarz, who plays for Kaipaki in the Waikato Valley competition, is an early order batsman who also bowls medium pace.
Hatherleigh are not known for bringing in overseas players, but after a tough return to the A Division in 2013 reconsidered their position.
The fight to avoid relegation went right down to the wire with Hatherleigh just staying ahead of second-bottom Plymstock in the final table.
When the effects of a number of departures were taken into a account, it made sense to bring in someone who gives the club added value.
Schwarz bats bowls and coaches too. He is a community coach working for the Sport Waikto in Hamilton.
“We will start the season with six or seven of last season’s side missing – and not all of them will be coming back,” said skipper Mark Lake.
“Some of the university lads will be back mid-season, but we have lost Rob Chapman and Gareth Tidball, who were our two openers last season.
“Rob has gone to Bath and Gareth has a job in Maidstone. Carl has been scoring runs at home and we hope he will go in at three or four.”
Schwarz isn’t the only player on his way to Hatherleigh this summer as Chris Jelley is switching from Clyst Hydon.
Jelley has done the rounds at lower level s in the Devon League as well as spending time with Exmouth.
Lake is the first to admit it is a struggle attracting players to Hatherleigh, which is a bit off the beaten track in cricket terms.
He added: “Looking at the sides coming into the A Division this season – Budleigh and Bradninch at one end, Chudleigh and Lewdown from the other – it is going to be stronger than last year.
“We found it tough last year and it won’t be any easier. Without some new signings it would be hard going.”
BIDEFORD have lured up-and-coming seam bowler Paul Heard away from neighbours North Devon for the season ahead.
Heard featured fairly regularly in the Premier Division for North Devon last season and his decision to drop down a couple of the divisions comes as a surprise.
James Ford, the Bideford captain, said Heard (pictured, right) wanted a bit more enjoyment in his cricket, which was why he moved.
“Paul has quite a few friends at Bideford and just wants to play for the fun of it,” said Ford.
“He is talented cricketer who will score runs at our level and is a great signing for us.”
Ford revealed Bideford also have an Aussie batsmen coming over this summer, but won’t name him until the paperwork is complete.
“Two others have let us down so we want to be sure before saying anything,” said Ford.

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