Devon Cricket Board - King heading 'Down Under' for winter season

King heading 'Down Under' for winter season

HITTING OUT: Josh King on the offensive for Bideford in a T20 game

A NEW cricket season has started for Bideford’s Josh King after his recent arrival in Australia to play grade cricket.
King will be playing for Traralgon’s Ex-Students CC in the Gippsland region of Victoria where Bideford team-mate Jordy Gilmore is a regular.
Gilmore was Bideford’s overseas player in the season that ended last month.
King, 21 and Bideford’s premier all rounder has given-up a full-time job and his regular place in the town’s rugby team to realise an opportunity he just couldn’t turn down.
King scored 900 runs and took 58 wickets in all cricket for Bideford last season.
Gilmore (pictured holding bat with King) is confident his friend has transferable skills.
“It’ll be a step up in standard for him as our conditions and match regs are a lot different - and it’ll be hot - but they ought to suit him so he should be fine,” said Gilmore.
“Our 2008 overseas player Michael Warne recommended Jordy to us mentioned the possibility of taking one of our lads in effectively an exchange arrangement once Jordy’s placement had finished,” said Bideford chairman Kevin Fishleigh.
“Mick played with Josh so when he was mentioned as a suitable candidate they very quickly agreed terms with him even to the point that arrangements were made more or less straightaway for both lads to be on the same flight to Australia together.”
Warne (left) was all for the exchange, saying: “We are looking forward to having him for our summer and while he’ll encounter some fierce and talented opposition I think playing for us and with guys he already knows will help him be successful.”
King jumped at the chance to spend a winter down under improving his game, adding he wanted Bideford to see any benefits
“As soon as I knew both clubs were talking I wanted to go because at this stage of my career I might not have got another chance,” said King.
“I am a local lad, I’ve played all my cricket at Westward Ho! and Bideford have been really good to me over the years.
“I’m very settled and happy at the club and want to continue playing for them at the highest possible standard.
“I see this is as a natural move to take my game to the next level to help them achieve that.”
Support for Kings had come from long-time mentor and batting coach Fishleigh.
“Josh’s game has come on tremendously in the last couple of years,” said Fishleigh.
“He is now a genuine all-rounder and easily the best fielder in North Devon and I think he’s ready and good enough for the challenge.”

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