HEATHCOAT skipper Jackson Thompson may be comfortable with his side being labeled favourites to win the Premier Division this season, but is definitely not over confident.
Since last season ended in the disappointment of finishing third in a table they had led for most of the season, Heathcoat have recruited extensively.
New to Knightshayes this season are Devon batsman past and present Dan Pyle and Rob Holman, who have arrived from Exmouth and Exeter respectively, as well as former North Devon and Exmouth spinner Callum French.
Holman – five 50s and two tons in his 764-run tally – and Pyle (670 runs) are big signings. French (332 runs and 12 wickets) is no slouch either.
Heathcoat will have ex-Sidmouth big hitter Liam Lewis all season – he arrived mid-campaign in 2018 – and have brought back South African seamer Malcolm Cloete.
Factor in the existing talent in Heathcoat’s ranks, such as Thompson, Jack Dart, Jamie Drew and Jack Menheneott to name just a few, and there is a strong side on paper.
Thompson is optimistic, but thoughtful too about the season ahead.
“Last season we were top of the table for 80 per cent of the season yet could not get across the last hurdle,” said Thompson.
“Our batting strength is strong as our existing players all stayed and we have made signings.
“We have made some great additions, but we won’t be relying on them. We finished third last season without any of them. They are a bonus.
“We should be challenging, but we can’t afford to get ahead of ourselves either.
“As an amateur club there will be times when not everyone is able to play and that is when your strength is tested.
“And we need to grounded and keep working on areas of the game we need to grow.”
Thompson has taken over as captain from Peter Randerson, who remains very much part of the squad in his dual role as keeper and batsman.
Heathcoat have lost one significant player from the roster: early order batsman Reid Mawdsley, who has re-joined Chard. His 404 runs put him fourth in the club aggregates last season.
Premier Division returnees Torquay provide the first-day opposition at Knightshayes on Saturday.
