THINGS can only get better this season for Axminster after they were relegated into the C Division East at the end of last summer.

Run-scoring was Axminster’s big problem last season – they earned fewer batting bonus points than anyone in the division – so the return of opening bat Mike Wakley will be welcome. He has been working out of the area.

Alex Watson, an all-rounder from Kent, signed in with a half-century and four wickets in a warm-up game against Seaton.

With Matt Pile and Sam Farrow to return from university in June, Axminster will get stronger as the season unfolds.

Skipper Paul Miller hopes the stay in the C Division will be brief.

“Looking at the teams in it and the derby games we will have with Kilmington, Seaton, Feniton and Uplyme,it is going to be competitive but we intend pushing for promotion,” said Miller.