ASHBURTON didn’t linger long in the D West last season after relegation in 2015, pipping Yelverton for the second promotion place behind Shaldon in a photo finish.

Will Coon led the bowling effort with 33 wickets and the run-scoring effort was led by Lloyd White (721) and the two Ashleys – Harvey (305) and Berry (303).

Skipper Berry is aiming high this year and not even thinking about the bottom three.

Berry has every reason to be confident as the 1st XI squad looks stronger in places this season.

James Darke, a well-organised batsman, is the only notable departure and one Berry feels is covered by the return of Tom Durman.

Durman switched to Abbotskerswell last season, but work commitments prevented him playing regularly and he has gone back to Varwell Field.

“Tom will bat high and could take the new rock so we are glad to have him back,” said Berry.

Batter Dan Coles, with Chudleigh last season and Halberton before that, is another addition to the squad.

Australian all-rounder Tristan Wakefield – he bats and bowls – has come over from Queensland to test himself in English conditions.