EXMOUTH commence a transitional season under new skipper Andrew Buzza with a home game against North Devon.

Gone from last season are the runs scored by Dan Pyle (670), Miles Lenygon (535), Callum French (332), Sandy Allen (376) and Bob Dawson (267). French took 15 wickets too.

It has not been all one-way traffic out of the Maer Ground as left-armer Sid Fereday signed from Budleigh Salterton, batter Alex Hammond has moved to the area from the Home Counties, South African student Matt Armstrong will bat at the top during term time and opening bowler Jacob Robinson has arrived from Australia.

Exmouth had hoped to lure keeper-batter Tim Piper away from Bradninch, but that switch failed to go through.

Allen’s departure five weeks before the start of a new season left Exmouth without a first-choice keeper. But they do have options.

James Horler, who kept and batted in the 2nd XI last summer, can expect a chance at some stage.

Loyal clubman Lawrence Greenway can keep, as can Louis Morrison, although his football commitments with Exeter City may get in the way.

Buzza intends to bleed players from the youth section into the 1st XI as the season unfolds, and still has old warhorses Sean Day and Richard Baggs in the 2nd XI turn to in an hour of need.

Exmouth face a tough task staying in the Premier Division, but Buzza says don’t write them off.

“What would surprise anyone coming into our dressing room is the hunger among the group of players who have stayed with the club,” said Buzza.

“We are going to surprise quite a few teams this season.”