By CONRAD SUTCLIFFE
SANDFORD skipper Richard Foan has made another new signing as squad building gathers pace in readiness for the 2021 Tolchards Devon Cricket League season.
The latest new face on the Sandford roster belongs to batting all-rounder Richard Hopwood, who has moved to Devon from the Hone Counties to be closer to his family.
Hopwood, who will be 31 by the time the Premier Division season starts in May, has an extensive back catalogue of Minor Counties, Second Eleven Championship, Premier League and MCC Young Cricketers experience.
Durham worked with Middlesbrough-born Hopwood in their age-group sides up to the age of 13, which included four years’ experience in their North East Premier League side.
MCC Young Cricketers had a look at Hopwood in 2008 in games against Somerset 2nd XI and Essex. Middlesex offered him a trial in 2009 in a three-day friendly against a combined Essex and Kent side. He did not get the chance to bat.
Hopwood had two seasons as a Durham 2nd XI squad man, mainly playing in red-ball cricket, and a season in the Minor Counties Championship with Buckinghamshire in 2009.
Buckinghamshire won the Minor Counties title in 2009 when Hopwood was an ever-present in their side. He had an impressive season with the bat that included back-to-back centuries against Lincolnshire in a grand total of 635 runs at an average of nearly 53.
Another highlight in the summer of 2009 was being selected for the Minor Counties XI that played MCC at Lord’s in the annual challenge match, Hopwood opened the batting and scored 44 in a first-wicket stand of exactly 100 with Norfolk’s Carl Rogers.
Hopwood has turned out for Tring Park and Aston Rowant in the Home Counties Premier League divisions one and two.
Richard Foan, the Sandford captain, said Hopwood was an unexpected signing who approached the club after moving to Devon from the London area.
“I am delighted to welcome Richard to the area and to Sandford CC,” said Foan.
“Richard has been out of the game for a couple of seasons, but is looking to play this summer. He has great experience in academy, second team and Minor Counties cricket and is another great addition for the summer.
“All of us look forward to seeing Richard at pre-season training.”
Hopwood’s signing follows the arrival of pace-bowling all-rounder, who has switched to Creedy Park from North Devon CC. King, like Hopwood, has a Minor Counties background.
Devon League officials have just released the 2021 fixtures for all 15 divisions on the assumption cricket won’t be restricted by Covid-19 rules again.
Sandford’s season is scheduled to start away to Exeter on Saturday, May 1. The opening home game is seven days later on May 8 when Exmouth pay a visit to Creedy Park.
