Devon Cricket Board - Jordan takes over Plymstock helm

Jordan takes over Plymstock helm

PLYMSTOCK will have a new 1st XI captain this season as long-serving David Orchard has called it a day.
Orchard has been captain for eight of the past ten seasons and can look back on his time as a job well done.
Plymstock under Orchard (pictured, left) got out of the B Division in 2011 and more than held their own in the A Division last summer, unlike fellow promotees South Devon, who were relegated straight back without winning a game.
Orchard’s replacement as captain is opening bowler Seb Jordan, who inherits a squad if players looking to establish Plymstock as a force in the A-Division.
After a busy winter of recruiting and developing a strong squad, Seb and his team look in good nick.
Mark Abbot, a left-arm quick swing bowler and high-order batter who plays in Adelaide is the team’s new overseas player.
Abbot will arrive with impressive credentials (47 wickets at12.3 and 250 runs last season), and is only really here because Jordan played against him a couple of seasons ago when he was out in Oz.
“We first crossed paths when I was playing for Echunga Miners in the Outback and you could tell he had something about him,” said Jordan.
“I tried to get him over for last season, but work commitments wouldn’t allow it, so I tried again this year and luckily Mark has been able to commit to the season.”
Run-getters Dan Robotham and James Nicholls are staying for another season – and Scott Mansfield (right) has switched from Cornwood.
Nicholls’ runs in the latter half of the season made a big impact with the club and his experience in the A Division the one above with Plymouth add an extra dimension to his usefulness.
“With Robotham and Nicholls around for the season, we not only have the best wicketkeeper in the league - and one of the best in the South West - but two guys that can score big runs and add some real weight to the batting.
Hard-hitting Mansfield has racked up many runs in the Devon League over the years and is looking forward to a new challenge nearer his home in Plymstock.
With talented youngster Hal Kerton opening the bowling Plymstock have some real fire at the beginning of any match.
Ian Whalley has replaced George Barnicott as 2nd XI captain. Barnicott’s year in charge ended with Plymstock achieving promotion as champions.
The team is looking to push on once again, with a very strong side that should be available all season, which can only get stronger as the club’s adds new faces to its ranks.
David Grant continues as third-team captain.
Winter nets have already started at Plymstock School every Thursday evening from 8-10pm.
Anyone of any standard is welcome to go along to join in and see if they’re keen for the season ahead.

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