By CONRAD SUTCLIFFE

PACE bowler Carl Woolnough has had second thoughts about his move to Abbotskerswell and re-joined Shaldon for the season ahead.

Woolnough, a serviceman, was looking to step up two tiers by joining the A Division outfit.

A spanner was thrown in the works when Woolnough learned that his work schedule is likely to disrupt his Saturday afternoon plans between May and August.

“Carl got in touch to say he would only be ale to play two or three games in the first half of the season – and not many more in the second half,” said Paul Mitchell, the Abbotskerswell chairman.

“He said that given his availability problems and difficulty getting to training it is probably not the right time to step up to A Division cricket.

“Of course we are disappointed Carl is not coming as he is a proven wicket-taker and you want players like that on board.

“He has done the right thing making the decision now as it would have been a lot tougher to lose him a couple of weeks before the season starts.”

Woolnough tried to move up the divisions with Paignton in 2016, but went back to Shaldon three weeks into the season.

TORQUAY have snapped up Devon under-15 seamer James Tyler for the season ahead Tyler, previously with Countess Wear for adult cricket and also Ottery St Mary as a youth player, is just back from touring South Africa with the county development side.

The newly merged Alphington and Countess Wear club had hoped Tyler would sign for them. 

James Bogue, the first team captain, said he was disappointed to lose his former Countess Wear club mate.

Bogue added: “We all wish him every success a Torquay.”

The Exeter School student has plumped to Torquay ahead of a club closer to home as he has friends already playing at the Recreation Ground.

Niall McCarthy is a schoolmate and Noah Rider and Harry Passenger are county colleagues.