Devon Cricket Board - Sidmouth hungry for another title

Sidmouth hungry for another title

SIDMOUTH captain Will Murray says there will be no resting on laurels at the Fortfield this season as the title holders are determined to retain their crown.

Sidmouth have won the title every year since 2008 with the exception of 2011 when it went to North Devon.

Ask rival captains who they think will win the title this year and the inevitable answer is ‘Sidmouth’.

There could be a danger of complacency creeping in, or even success fatigue, which derailed the great Exmouth team of the 1990s who win six titles in a row.

“Not so,” said Murray, who remains just as eager to win another title.

“You never get tired of seeing your name on the Premier Division trophy – at least we don’t,” said Murray.

“The nature of the game means it is all very intense for four months, then goes into hibernation for eight.

“Every April we come back for our friendly games fresh and revitalised and looking to win it again.

“So far we have beaten Werrington, Chard and Bath – that one was particularly pleasing as they were strong – and can’t wait for the season to start.

“What there is very little danger of is complacency setting in. Bovey were top for most of last season – they were brilliant in the first half – and we only got ahead of them right at the end.

“I see Bovey have strengthened over the winter, as have Exmouth. They had a decent side last year and will be even more of a handful I suspect.

“As for us, we are much the same with one or two tweaks. With what we have I would expect us to be there or thereabouts.”

Somerset have hinted they will release pace Adam Dibble to his home-town club more often this season, which won’t be well received by opposing batsmen.

Scott Barlow is back from Bournemouth, which will mean 10 miserly overs from one end.

New to the camp is Queenslander Harrison Jones, a 19-year-old quick bowlers with a long run-up.

The only notable departure is that of all-rounder Nick Gingell, who has gone into early retirement. Murray hasn’t given up hope of coaxing him back.

“What we will miss are those little match-winning cameos – the partnership-breaking wickets, the brisk 20-30 coming in down the order – as they have been so valuable to us over the years,” said Murray.

“Nick says he has retired, but we are running a book at the club on how long it lasts.”

Sidmouth open their campaign this Saturday when they go to Torquay.

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