BARTON captain Adam Parker is keeping it realistic for the A Division season ahead, which commences with a home game against Ipplepen.

It is nearly a decade since the four-times champions were in the top flight – and long term they want to get back there.

Short term is a different story and Parker doesn’t mind saying so.

“Are we setting our stall out to be promoted? No, although we wouldn’t turn down being promoted,” said Parker.

“We are setting our stall out to play good, hard cricket all the way through to the final ball and see where that takes us.

“Keeping it going seems to be an issue for us in the past few seasons.

“Around midway we will be fourth or fifth and in mix, but we have never been able to push on.

“Inevitably we play well against the better teams, but drop points against opposition we would expect to beat.”

Gone from last season’s squad are long-serving pro Aqeel Ahmed, seamer Ben Holmes (Chudleigh), all-rounder Damon Calland (Babbacombe) and batter Chris Penner (also Babbacombe).

New to Cricketfield Road are batter Scott Baldry (ex-Torquay and Paignton) and overseas Jared Seiffert, an Aussie left-armer who bats too.