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- Tom Allin tournament raised more than £5,000 for air ambulance
- Taverners kit bag delivered to Sri Lankan youngsters
- Devon trying to contact the class of 56
- Paceman Tshepo running in Virgin London Marathon
- Five Devon women in Western Storm squad for Kia Super League
- Registration night for all ages at Topsham on Monday
- Lots pouring in for auction at Allin Memorial tournament
- Thames Valley Gentlemen Cricket Club
- Bradninch add Argentinian flavour to Devon League
- Ipplepen youth registration night on Friday
- Final call for Groundsmans first seminar this year
- Devon League official tackling London Marathon for charity
- Bovey on familiar territory in Aaron Printers Cup
- Brockman Cup - Cup Kings lie in wait for holders
- Shepherd Trust helps Kingsbridge build for sustainable future
- DCL - Umpire Appointments 2016 (May 7th - July 2nd)
- Long standing records beaten
- North Devon see off Paignton chase
SIDMOUTH captain Will Murray says retaining the Premier Division in 2015 is going to be harder than winning it last year.
The champions have lost Josh Bess, Dan Babula Scott Barlow and Will Sobczak from the title-wining side – and will miss all four.
Batter Sobczak who is living in Australia, will be the least missed as Sidmouth are not too short of run makers.
Sidmouth will miss Bess massively – he has been the leading all-rounder in the Premier Division for several years – now he is living in Australia as well.
He made 684 runs last season – no one made more - and claimed 22 wickets.
Sidmouth will also miss Barlow’s 21-wicket contribution with the ball.
And without Babula’s 46 wickets at 12.93 each, it is questionable whether Sidmouth would have won the title last year.
“There is a mighty hole in the side and it will take some filling,” said Murray.
“Josh opened our batting and opened our bowling – and was the best all-rounder in the league over the last 10 years.
“Bowling wise we hope to replace Babula’s wickets with our new overseas player.
“Batting wise? I expect Nick Gingell will start the season in the firsts after two centuries in pre-season and someone else will captain the 2nd XI.
“Liam Lewis had a successful season last year and we hope he can continue in that way.
“And there will be chances for players like Harvey Sargent to step up and claim a place in the 1st XI.
“There are big holes to fill though and I am still looking for players.”
Murray had hoped to sign a left-arm seamer from an A Division club, but he failed to materialise.
The new overseas player is New Zealander Andy Mathieson, a quick bowler who has been playing for Central Districts during the winter.
Sidmouth need Mathieson to hit the ground running, starting with the curtain raiser against Plympton this Saturday.
“We need to get a good start to the season,” said Murray.
“Just as winning can become a habit – one we had last season – so can losing and it can be hard to break.”