BIDEFORD run into familiar opposition at Westward Ho! on Saturday when Tavistock are the visitors on the first day of the B Division campaign.

For Tavistock were the team relegated along with Bideford from the A Division at the end of last season.

Bideford  had gone up as champions in 2014, but their stay proved an unhappy one with just three wins all season.

Long-serving skipper James Ford has called time on the captaincy after filling the post every year bar one since 2006.

The new captain is Paul Heard, the former North Devon youngster, who prefers to look forward rather than back.

“After being relegated with a very young side, this season is a rebuilding year,” said Heard.

“Our Average age is 18 without James Ford and 21 with him playing.

“I am looking to continue with some promising youngsters and develop the raw talent into a consistent force.

"The B division looks very tight so it's another good challenge.”

Heard has most of the team available to Ford last season, but with a change of overseas personnel.

The new man at Bideford is Ji Eccles, a Australian keeper-batsman.