Devon Cricket Board - Sidmouth rocked by third departure

Sidmouth rocked by third departure

SIDMOUTH have been rocked by a third departure since the start of the season as up-and-coming keeper-batsman Dan Powell has left for Heathcoat.

Powell, 17, has followed Dom Bess and cousin Zak out of the Fortfield to pastures new.

Spinner Dom signed for Exeter the week before the league season started with Zak going to the same club two weeks ago.

All three have gone in search of regular 1^st XI cricket and a meaningful role in their teams.

Sidmouth skipper Will Murray has been exasperated to lose three promising young players – and hopes Powell will be the last to leave.

Murray said when he heard Devon U17 star Powell (pictured) was leaving he tried to talk him round, but quickly realised it was a waste of time.

“Dan’s mind was already made up and nothing I could say would change it,” said Murray.

“He wants to bat in the top three and keep wicket, which is something we are not able to guarantee and Heathcoat are.”

Mike Dibble, the Sidmouth chairman, said the club is disappointed Powell has left to seek a higher batting position at another Premier Division club.

“He was offered a top-six batting position and the wicket keeper’s gloves, but decided he wished to seek a top-three batting position and further his development elsewhere.

“When you have the likes of Liam Lewis, Josh Bess, Will Sobczak, Peter Randerson, Anthony Griffiths, Luke Bess and Matthew Cooke competing for batting places it is obviously very difficult to guarantee a player a top-three batting position.

“Dan leaves with our best wishes and we understand he will still be helping with our colts on Friday evenings.”

On the wider issue of opportunities for up-and-coming players, Dibble had this to say:

“We would rather the likes of Dan, Zach Bess and Dominic Bess had stayed at Sidmouth but we understand that 15 into 11 just won't go.

“All three players wish to develop their cricket careers, but at the end of the day we have to look after our members at Sidmouth CC and our selection policy will always be based upon what actually happens on the pitch.

“Of course we acknowledge potential and all three players have indeed played for our 1st XI over the past 12 months.

“We are confident that other opportunities would have arisen for them in the near future.

“We wish them well and we look forward to seeing them back playing for Sidmouth in the future.”

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