Devon Cricket Board - Kingdon dropping down to E Division with Babbacombe

Kingdon dropping down to E Division with Babbacombe

BABBACOMBE have pulled off a signing coup by luring Andy Kingdon away from A Division Paignton, where he was captain last season.

After several seasons in the doldrums which culminated in them being relegated into the bottom division of the Devon League in 2011, Babbacombe were promoted unbeaten as F Division champions last season.

The arrival of hard-hitting Steve Lewis from Barton clearly helped as he averaged more than a hundred over the season!

Skipper Steve Broad averaged well above 60s in his first season back in the post.

Lewis is returning to Barton last season, so Kingdon’s arrival is opportune for Babbacombe.

Having got out of the F Division at the first attempt, Babbacombe are hoping to go through the E Division in a hurry as well.

Kingdon, predominately a batsmen who can fill in as a bowler, has had two stints with Paignton either side of a spell in the Premier Division with Bovey Tracey.

He played for Devon U21s, the Devon Development XI and last season skippered the Devon League XI to victory over the Devon Lions at Sandford.

Kingdon has dropped down five divisions to play for Babbacombe, spurning offers from other clubs significantly higher up the league ladder to take the post of player-coach at Walls Hill.

Broad said bringing Kingdon (pictured) to the club was part of a master plan to climb through the divisions.

“Our target is to return to the C Division within the next four years and signing Andy shows our intent,” said Broad.

“We are close to making several other signings to strengthen the playing squad and to achieve our target.”

Kingdon said there were a number of reasons why he left Paignton, but stressed he remained on good terms with his former club despite choosing to leave.

“When I learned Seb Benton was leaving I realised there would be no one else my sort of age in the team,” said Kingdon.

“Babbacombe made me a good offer and because I used to work with some of the lads playing there I knew them and felt it was worth having a crack.

“I know it might sound strange, but I didn’t really enjoy my cricket last summer.

“My form was awful and I just want to enjoy my cricket again.”

Babbacombe are also welcoming back an old face next season, wicketkeeper Paul Sutherland who has not played seriously for two years owing to a knee injury.

Sutherland, one of the workmates Kingdon referred to, was last registered with B Division side South Devon.

Any players interested in netting with Babbacombe should contact Broad (07966 235948) or club secretary Ron Thomson (07973 500654).

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