WHISPER it quietly but Abbotskerswell are the team rival captains are tipping to mount a promotion challenge from the A Division in 2019.

Abbots finished fourth in the A Division last season, their first back at that level after two consecutive promotions.

The short list doing the rounds is headed by Hatherleigh with Cornwood, Abbots and Bradninch all in the reckoning.

New skipper Nick Watkin has the bulk of last season’s squad at his disposal, plus the much-travelled Mark Gilmour, who was bating and bowling for Barton last season.

An interesting recruit is Devon-born Charlie Dowling, who has been grabbing headlines playing for Randburg in South Africa.

Dowling, who has been living in Johannesburg with his mother, is spending the season with his Torquay-domiciled dad.

His stats for Dunkinfield in the Greater Manchester League last season were an impressive 450 runs and 40 wickets.

The 19-year-old UK passport holder has been knocking over batsmen all season in the Gauteng Premier B League, taking 33 wickets in 45 games.

Abbots’ overseas player in 2019 will be young Australian James Williams, the latest in a succession of players to come over from the Hallora club in Victoria to play at Two Mile Oak.

If the name is familiar that is not a surprise as off-spinner James is the younger brother of Ryan (2013) and Brett Williams (2016), both of whom have assisted Abbots in the past.

Abbots are at home to Ivybridge on Saturday.

BARTON, back in the A Division after promotion, have been active on the recruitment front during the winter, signing bowling all-rounder Rob Shergold from Paignton and batter George Northcott from Brixham.

Matt Crampton, Barton’s free-scoring South African, does not arrive until mid-week. He was key to earning promotion from the B Division last season.

Barton have also signed Aaron Hearne from Paignton, a former colt at Cricketfield Road who has been to Abbotskerswell as well on his travels.

Andy Pugh, a former Barton captain who played 175 times for Devon between 1990-2005, has rejoined the club from Brixham.

Pugh, 50 at the end of May, has returned to Cricketfield Road in the twilight of his career to finish where he started as a teenager.

Said Parker: “It is good to have Andy back as Barton is his spiritual home.”

Barton are at home to Hatherleigh in their opening league fixture.