BABBACOMBE captain Steve Broad must feel there is an injury hoodoo hanging over his side after a calamitous start to the season.

All-rounder Andy Kingdon is out for eight weeks after dislocating a shoulder playing against Abbotskerswell in a midweek Corinthian Cup game.

Dylan Rayner, the club’s South African overseas player for 2016, broke down in training a home and is still there having torn knee ligaments treated.

“We sourced a replacement for Dylan and he ends up in hospital back in South Afria to have an operation on broken thumb,” said Broad.

Sam Powell, last seasons player of the year at Walls Hill, sprained an ankle last weekend playing against Devon Over 50s.

To cap it all Nathan Beech – scorer of an unbeaten pre-season century against Shaldon – didn’t play against Abbots as he had to work.

According to Broad, his side did well to run Abbots as close as they did.

“We had five players over the age of 45 playing against 10 players probably in there 20s - and that was one of our short comings.

“Lack of mobility in the field meant we chased more than we should have plus we bowled far too many extras, which considering the experienced attack we had, was a surprise and disappointment.

“Paul Bates was superb though taking 4-18 in nine overs. We just didn't back him up.

“I was pleased with three wickets in the last 2 overs to get full bowling points.

“We only had one partnership - Calland and myself. We both went for 31s in the space of a couple of overs.

In reality we both needed to kick on and get 60-plus.

“We will improve when we can get more of a full-strength side out which hopefully will start this Saturday against Whitchurch.”