PLYMOUTH CC have made their first significant signing of the close season by recruiting Devon batsman James Degg.

Opener Degg, formerly with A Division Plympton, switched to Torquay CC for the 2019 season in search of 1st XI cricket with a Premier Division side.

In 11 outings for Torquay, Degg totalled 308 runs at an average of 28. His season ended early after he sprained one of his feet while playing a youth game for Plympton at Cornwood.

The injury came at just the wrong time for Degg, who broke into the full Devon side last season in all three formats and was looking forward to a run in the three-day side.

Torquay were relegated from the Premier Division at the end of last season, which has prompted a clutch of players to look elsewhere for their cricket in 2020.

Degg, who is studying applied sports science at university in Southampton, impressed against Plymouth last season by making a half-century against them for Torquay.

Jon Varcoe, the Plymouth captain, said he was pleased to see off competition from other clubs to sign Degg.

“James is talented lad who we have been keeping an eye on for a number of seasons,” said Varcoe.

“I was very impressed when he played against us at Mount Wise last year. He looked an organised player and scored at a good rate.”

Despite having the Premier Division’s leading run scorer in Faizan Riaz, whose 1.230 league runs included seven centuries, Plymouth finished a distant fourth behind champions Heathcoat.

Varcoe wants to be the first Plymouth captain to win the Premier Division – their best finish is second – and Degg wants to be part of a title-winning side.

“I am excited to join Plymouth as I think they are team that have ambitions and are capable of winning the league, which is exciting and attractive to be part of,” said Degg.

“I am looking forward to getting a few out of the middle of the bat up front and carry on from the great Premier experience I had at Torquay.

“Also when I played at Plymouth last season I enjoyed that they get a decent crowd to play in front of and that is something I enjoy.”

Degg made a point of thanking his former club for giving him a chance in the top flight.

“I would like to thank Torquay for all they have done for me as I feel they helped me kick on and I am grateful to them for giving me the opportunity,” said Degg.