By CONRAD SUTCLIFFE
TORQUAY have completed the signing of bowling all-rounder Rob Shergold from near neighbours Barton.
Shergold has been on Barton’s books since the start of the 2019 season having previously been with Paignton.
Mike Pugh, the cricket manager at Torquay, believes Shergold has a lot to offer his new club based on his track record.
“Wherever Rob has been in the past he has made an impression either with the bat or the ball,” said Pugh.
“His wicket-taking record is impressive and he makes runs too.”
Shergold, who will be 30 by the time the 2021 season comes around, went through the youth system at Paignton and made his 1st XI debut near the end of the 2007 season. Ironically, it was against Torquay.
It was not long before Shergold became a regular in the Paignton side, but early in the 2010 summer he left Queen’s Park for Abbotskerswell. Three seasons at Two Mile Oak produced 54 league wickets including a career-best five-for21 haul against South Devon.
Paignton re-signed Shergold for 2014 and he remained at Queens Park for the next five seasons. Among a clutch of league half-centuries was a personal best of 83 in a Premier game against Plymouth.
Barton beckoned in 2019. Wickets proved hard to come by for Shergold until the final day of the season, when his five-for-42 return skittled former club Abbotskerswell for 184.
ANOTHER player on the move for 2021 is former Honiton captain James Pickard, who has officially re-joined Sidmouth.
Pickard was among a number of players who drifted way from Honiton last season and took advantage of relaxed registration rules to make ‘guest appearances’ for Sidmouth 2nd XI.
Pickard is no stranger to the Fortfield having been a colt there and later a 1st XI regular up to 2007 before switching to golf. He was on the professional staff at Honiton GC until 2018 when a job change opened the door to playing cricket regularly again and the chance to captain Honiton.
By the time the 2021 season gets under way Pickard will be 40 – which he regards as the start of his final circuit as a cricketer. And that’s his motivation for going back to where it started.
“I don't think I have many years of cricket left, but I will make sure what is left is enjoyable,” said Pickard.
“To be honest I don't care where I play. I want to enjoy it and have a laugh, that's it.
“The Covid period has made me want to enjoy my time with my friends again, they are spread over all three teams.
“I don't have any targets other than enjoying my cricket whether it is in the first, second or third teams.”
Pickard's return to Sidmouth look timely as the senior sides are going through a transformative stage as older players make way for up-and-coming second teamers such as Dylan Hurst and Byron Holmes. Pickard's medium pace could be useful for 2nd XI captain Anthony Griffiths if he loses his young guns.
