STOKE Gabriel, a fairly distant third last year, are under new leadership this season with Michael Meech at the helm and former Paignton captain Connor Bryan coaching.

Jack Tolley, skipper for the past two seasons, flew out at the end of last season to Australia and is still there.

Aussie Nathan Hicks, who topped the run scoring aggregates with 994 at an average in the low 60s, isn’t coming back in 2017.

This season’s overseas player at the Eastley Ground is Australian Daniel Pandolfo, a keeper-batsman from Ellinbank CC, who play in the Warrugal competition.

Meech has most of the same squad Tolly could call on, plus Issac Withington, who is back from a brief spell at Brixham.

“We have a young promising side and are looking to consolidate and at least equal last year’s league position,” said Meech.

“Connor Bryan, our new club coach, will be working hard to bring along the young talent in the club. 

“My main aim is to keep the club moving in the right direction for the forthcoming season.”