On the move... Ethan Carlisle<br>credit: Mark Lockett | copyrighted

By CONRAD SUTCLIFFE

CORNWOOD have pulled off a double signing coup by luring the Carlisle brothers from Premier rivals Plymouth to Oak Park.

Ethan Carlisle, who has just turned 17, is a left-arm bowler whose batting shows potential. He started out in the under-11s at Plymouth and was talent spotted by Devon as an under-14 for the 2018 season.

Carlisle senior’s debut season in county cricket was an unbridled success. He took 15 wickets in the under-14 side at 15.20 each and played a year up in the under-15 side, were he took 11 more wickets at a fraction over 11 runs each.

Ethan Carlisle, who has joined Cornwood from PlymouthPlymouth gave the elder Carlisle Premier-level experience during the mini-division programme played in July and August.

Noah Carlisle, who was 15 last August, is a keeper-batter who followed a similar route to his brother into county age-group cricket.

Carlisle junior made his Devon debut in the under-11 team in 2016 and has featured every season since. He toured South Africa in 2019 with the Devon Development squad and showed his batting prowess with 56 against the Western Province state side.

The younger Carlisle made six appearances in the Plymouth 2nd XI during the mini-division programme and was a member of the side that defeated Thorverton to win the Tier Two runners-up play-off.

Jackson Thompson, the Cornwood captain, said the brothers were useful acquisitions he hopes will press for 1st XI spots.

“We are looking forward to supporting Ethan and Noah's growth in cricket and are keen to provide them exposure to competitive senior cricket,” said Thompson.

“I have had some good feedback on both and from talking to them recently, their energy, ambition and enthusiasm will definitely be something we would want more of in our squad.

“Ethan is building up a good pedigree with Devon and so we are excited to support him and utilise his skills. 

“Noah is a dynamic wicket-keeper batsman and again with high ambition to challenge himself. He will add further depth in our keeping department.

“We are expecting both of them to be pushing for places and strengthening our squad.”

Jon Varcoe, the Plymouth captain, said it was disappointing but perhaps unsurprising that the Carlisle brothers had switched clubs.

“To be honest it was a bit of a shock and a shame, but nowadays it's not a surprise to see people club hopping,” said Varcoe.

“Both started their cricket with us and they told me they wanted a new challenge.

“Ethan should take some wickets up there with the slope in his favour.”

One thing Cornwood won’t be short of in 2021 is keeping options. As well as Noah Carlisle and Matt Butterworth, who kept last season, Mark Horwell will reappear after four years out of the game.

Horwell kept wicket for Cornwall and Werrington before joining Cornwood in 2012. At 40 years of age Horwell is approaching the veteran stage, although Thompson said he has a lot to offer.

“Mark is going to ease back into cricket after a short hiatus, but will be assisting with some targeted coaching sessions where possible so we can all benefit from his knowledge and experience,” said Thompson.