STOKE Gabriel have started counting down to the new season by beginning indoor nets every Friday.

Nets are taking place at Paignton College Sports Hall, Borough Road site, from 7.00-8.30 pm until early April.

Following league reorganisation during the winter, Stoke will start the new season in the D Division West.

The village side will have Jack Tolley back as skipper this season following two winters in Australia playing for Lysterfield in Victoria Grade cricket.

Tolley, who takes his old job back from Michael Meech, is bringing a couple of players over with him for and English summer.

Nick Gwynne, a batter who bowls, is set for a place in the first team.

Andy Nicopoulos, a keeper-batsman, is likely to play in the second team.

Also on board is prolific lower-division run getter Andy Kingdon, who was with Babbacombe last season.

Gone from last summer is youngster Dan Bullock, who is aiming to step up a couple of divisions with Brixham.

Membership enquires should be directed to Tom Hannaford-Hill on 07540 222439.