SHALDON Optimists skipper Mark Couch is aiming to more than just survive back in the C Division West after a year in the basement.

The Optimists have enjoyed a peripatetic lifestyle in recent seasons, going up and down the divisions on a regular basis – and sideways from West to East too!

Having dropped back to the D Division West last season, Couch led Shaldon straight back, assisted by the 51 wickets taken by Ryan Bougourd on his return to the club.

Bougourd, who was playing for Devon as recently as 2014, started out with Shaldon before stepping up to the Premier Division with Bovey Tracey.

Shaldon were delighted when Bougourd said he intended to finish his career at Hazeldown and rejoined them early last season.

His decision to go back to Bovey this season was disappointing, but perhaps not a huge surprise.

Couch feels Shaldon would have walked the division with or without Bougourd, although it might have taken a bit longer to be sure of promotion.

“One of two of the games were serious mismatches and if Ryan hadn’t taken the wickets I believe someone else would,” said Couch.

“This season will be more challenging to us, but that isn’t something we will be worried about.

“With our best side out most weeks I am confident we will be up there. The big thing is consistent availability and, going into the season, that is looking good.”

Paceman Carl Woolnough is available most of the season with few clashes between cricket and his career in the Royal Navy.

Kiwi keeper-batsman George Thomas has said farewell to Shaldon after two years and has been replaced by Kelsey Fahey, another New Zealander with a strong pedigree.

Fahey bats and bowls and has played for Central Districts Under-17s.

With Thomas gone there is a vacancy behind the stumps and a potential contest for the gloves between Todd Bullman and Josh Couch.

Couch, the 13-year-old son of the skipper, has impressed pre-season and may get an early run in the league side.