Eliot Acton, who has taken over as Bradninch skipper<br>credit: gerryhunt21@btinternet.com

NEW Bradninch captain Eliot Acton said a change of attitude is needed in the season ahead.

The Ninch, Premier runners-up in 2017, were seldom out of the bottom two in 2018 and succumbed to relegation with a couple of games to go.

Acton said Bradninch’s attitude to the opposition, each other and the game in general needs to change.

“We may have been within our rights to think we were not going to get relegated after the previous season, but it looked like we thought we were better than we were,” said Acton. “That has to change.”

Bradninch are going to need some application with the bat this season as their three leading run getters in 2018 have all gone.

Rory Thomas (446 runs) has left for Sidmouth, Charlie Walker (437) has returned to WEPL cricket with Bedminster and Tendai Maruma (335) has not been replaced as the overseas player.

“Our bowling looks as strong as it could be, but we lack batting,” said Acton.

“Getting 10s and 15s here and there won’t be any good. We need to turn 10s and 20s into 40s and 50s.”

Acton may be cautious in his comments, but he has high hopes for the season ahead.

“I think Hatherleigh will be the strongest side in our division and Cornwood and Abbotskerswell will be there or thereabouts,” said Acton.

“If we consistently get out strongest side out I don’t expect us to be too far away.”

Devon age-group spin bowler Josh Farley, who has taken 51 league wickets in the E Divisions over the past two seasons for Kentisbeare, has hopped over the M5 to Kensham Park.

BIDEFORD captain Paul Heard is hoping to avoid another fight against relegation in from the A Division.

Bideford flirted with danger for most of last season before pulling away to leave Chudleigh and Brixham to their fate.

Heard is a realist not a dreamer and knows having lost a couple of key players to North Devon it is going to be another testing summer.

Seamer Fred King told Heard before the end of last season he was going to hook up with brother Josh in the Sandhills.

Josh Atkinson’s decision to defect came barely a month before the new season started.

“If players want to better themselves, which is understandable, you say thanks and wish them the best,” said Heard.

“We won’t be pushing for the top three this season, but mid-table while we build for the future would be good.”

Bideford went through last season without an overseas player due to a last-minute let down, but secured Ben Parry from Australia for the season ahead.

“Ben is primarily a better, but bowls some seam as well which will be useful as we have lost a couple,” said Heard.

Run hoarder James Ford – 49 and still going strong – is to try out a new role at second or third wicket down instead of opening up.

Ollie Hannam is the likely partner for Tom Brend when the new ball is fizzing down.