NEW Budleigh Salterton captain Lloyd Murrin will want to see an improvement in the 1st XI’s fortunes after a disappointing 2018 campaign.
Budleigh, who finished one place off the promotion spots in 2017, 2016 and 2015, were unspectacular in mid-table last summer.
Only three batsmen made more than 250 runs during the season and two of them, ex-skipper Trevor Anning (680) and his brother Phil (268) have since left the club.
Playing without an overseas player did not help Budleigh’s prospects in a division where seven out of ten clubs had one. At least they did not go down, unlike Chudleigh who also went without
Budleigh had to make a late change to their overseas player plans for 2019 when their original choice got cold feet. His replacement looks a proper cricketer.
Zimbabwean Tarisai Musakanda is a current first-class player with Mid-West Rhinos and has played in 15 one-day internationals and a solitary Test match.
He has made 12 first-class 50s and a ton. Murrin will hope to get a few overs of medium pace bowling out of the 24-year-old newcomer.
The highlight of Budleigh’s 2018 season was winning the Devon U19 T20 tournament. Players from that squad are going to get more 1st XI chances in 2019.
Ed Doble featured prominently last season – he was the leading wicket taker in the league with 27 – and his keeper brother James is another to watch out for.
“The other lads need to start playing men’s cricket and learning what it is all about,” said Joel Murphy, who coached the under-19s.
Budleigh’s first day opponents are newly promoted Tavistock at the Ring.
TAVISTOCK are back in the A Division again and aiming to stay there.
The Moorlanders have an unhappy habit of getting promoted (2010) and (2015) then being relegated after a season.
Skipper Shaun Daymond is well aware of the history, but is confident Tavvy won’t be sliding straight back.
“The way our team building has gone makes me positive for the season,” said Daymond.
“It appears there are three or four sides who will be good and the rest will be competitive. We should be one of those.”
A canny signing for Tavistock is former Lewdown captain Harry Geering, who has returned to the club he was a young player with more than a decade ago.
“Harry brings a lot of first-team experience in the A Division and is consistent performer,” said Daymond.
The Barriball brothers – Charlie and Billy – have been gaining experience in Australia during our winter and won’t be worse players for that.
Daymond had hoped South African all-rounder Dominic Snyman would be back this season, but he has had to withdraw due to injury.
Dylan Blignault, a similar type of player who was Tavvy’s overseas player in 2017 has been engaged for the season ahead.
Tavistock start the season at home to Budleigh Salterton.
