By CONRAD SUTCLIFFE

CAPTAINS, coaches and chairman have been quick to react enthusiastically to the anticipated return Devon League cricket on May 1.

The overwhelming majority can’t wait to stay playing serious cricket again week in and week out for four months.

However, there are one or two who can see glitches on the horizon after a virtual two-year break from the game.

Mike Pugh, the director of cricket at Torquay CC, knows better than most how important it is to have the right safeguards in place.

“I have had Covid and would not wish it on anyone,” said Pugh. “It is important to have the right precautions in place.

“The safety of the players is paramount and we don’t know yet whether we will be able to use pavilions and dressing rooms.

“It was difficult at times last year – especially when it rained – but I am much more positive than negative. We did it last year and can do it again.

“Players want to get in the nets and start training. We don’t know yet whether we can do that indoors? We have some of the finest nets around at Torquay and as soon as we can get outside I am sure we will.”

Pugh questioned whether clubs would want to or be allowed to bring in overseas players this season.

“Will the government allow inter-country travel to and from Zimbabwe or South Africa?” said Pugh.

Jackson Thompson, the captain of Premier new boys Cornwood, said: “It's certainly great to see the light at the end of what has been a very long tunnel.

“I am delighted by the prospect of a full season of league and cup cricket in 2021 and no doubt hundreds and thousands in the cricketing fraternity are too. 

“The prospect of a full league campaign infuses the right energy and provides the competitive environment that probably lacked a little for some last season. 

“No doubt the pandemic has affected the levels of interest in the sport and some people have turned to other things. But we can be optimistic that those players will want to be part of what promises to be a great summer of cricket.

“To be able to get out and about and play the sport we love and share the moments with family and friends is just what the doctor ordered.”

Lewis Hammett, who will be debuting as Bovey Tracey’s1^stXI captain in the Premier Division this summer, said his players are chomping at the bit for cricket.

“A lot of the guys have been in touch asking about starting training as soon as possible,” said Hammett.. 

“Like everyone else we are looking forward to getting back to normal and playing cricket

“I am sure there will be some precautions, but I would assume that all the most vulnerable and older age groups would have been vaccinated by May.”

Some clubs suffered a player drain last summer as the prospect of a six-game season held no attraction for them.

Anthony Griffiths, who has skippered the first and second teams at Sidmouth, fears the long lay-off will have consequences.

“Hopefully players are so desperate for sport we may see a few old faces back playing which would be good, but there will a few lost I'm sure.”

Eliot Acton, the Bradninch captain, said he had no concerns for the season ahead provided safety precautions were adhered to.

“Let’s get the game on and hope for a great season for all involved,” said Acton.

Dave Manning, the chairman of Tavistock and a 1^stXI regular, said he had one or two reservations.

“The devil will be in the detail and it will be interesting to find out what the situation is with teas, changing, showers and a beer afterwards.

“We have five long trips to Budleigh, Seaton, Bradninch, Cullompton and North Devon – and I can see us leaving at 10 in the morning or earlier to get there. Will we be able to share cars?

“It’s a long day by the time we get back to Tavistock and not keen on not being able to have a shower or a beer first.”

Dickie Davies, the chairman of Exmouth, described his first thoughts as ‘cautiously optimistic’ but added: “We still need to see what the guidance is on changing rooms, teas, travel in shared cars, but think its great we will hopefully get some normality and full season.”

Tom Martin, the captain of D East side Kentisbeare, said: “After the year we've had, particularly the winter, it is great news that we can be allowed out to socialise and play some sport. 

“I am reasonably hopeful players will be keen to be involved. Those who didn't feature as much last season for obvious reasons will be up for it this year. 

“It remains to be seen if I'm right, but at least we don't have to wait too long to find out.”

Joe Parkinson, who will lead Sampford Peverell & Tivertonin the D East, said the new season can not start soon enough.

“The ground has been freshly updated with new ball stop netting and a few other things that might happen before the season starts,” said Parkinson.

“Everyone seems really upbeat and excited for cricket, which is rare.”

Tom Popham, who will be skippering North Devon in the A Division, said: “Bringing back the extra competitiveness the league provides is massive

“That edge was missed last year and would have been hugely missed again this season so it's a welcome return to normal cricket.

“Had we played another season like last year then there would have been a danger of losing players to other things.

“I am sure people will have a desire to play like never before.”

Alex Hannam, captain of B Division Bideford, said: “Everyone is buzzing for the start of the season.

“No players have drifted away and everyone seems more keen than ever.”

Jon Baglow, one of Braunton’s senior players and a former captain of the C East club, said the consequences of another disrupted season did not bear thinking about.

“I think it is a good thing that the full league program will go ahead,” said Baglow. 

“We didn't lose any players last year; we actually gained a couple.

However, if the small, local league stayed for too long I think players would start to disappear.”

Baglow said he was unenthusiastic about the cut-down format played in 2020, but once cricket started he changed his view.

“With some new players, Callum Mitchell in charge and Steve Moore back, there was a real enthusiasm to learn and listen and we played some decent cricket,” said Baglow. 

“It will be a good test this year as if you take Steve (56) and myself  (46) out, we have a young side. I will be interested to see how we get on. 

Baglow said he had some concerns over pavilion facilities and is eager to see the ECB guidelines. Another concern is preparation.

“Prep time leading into the season for training and nets is also a concern,” said Baglow.

Nick Watkin, the skipper of A Division Abbotskerswell, said he is confident there won’t be gaps on the team sheet at Two Mile Oak.

“I think the enforced break has made people realise just how much they miss the game when they are unable to play,” said Watkin.

“I am hopeful the break from league cricket will not meant losing anyone from the game.”

Keith Wakeham, the Ipplepen chairman, said number probably won’t be an issue, but availability might be. 

“It sounds like our few 2020 'stay aways' are up for playing this year, but I am not sure everyone will be fully committed to 18 games?” said Wakeham. 

“We are hoping for a dry March to get some outdoor training in and hoping Boris's dates work out and we can eventually end the season under close-to-normal conditions.”

Joel Murphy, Budleigh Salterton’s team spokesman, said: “We are cautiously optimistic of starting on schedule. 

“Players are keen to begin outside training when we can, we have pre season practice matches in place and we have had Zoom meetings to keep the players in touch with each other. 

“Clearly the virus remains very prevalent in society and the club will be taking all possible precautions to protect players, officials, members and spectators.”

James Nicholls, who will be leading Plymstock in the B Division, said after playing so little cricket for so long preparation is going to be crucial.

“I can imagine there will be a lot of rustiness around all the sides, so it will be a case of bowling and hitting as many balls as we can before the season starts,” said Nicholls.

“As a club we gained a few good players last year and have also had a couple talented lads return from university, so I am happy with how we are looking. 

“At points last year I was the only non-Plymstock colt in the first team, which shows we are doing something right as a club.”

George Breyley, the cricket manager at C Division Brixham, questioned whether the government roadmap is over-optimistic. 

“I think it may be a bit too early, but that depends how the resumption is handled given the current proposed easing of restrictions,” said Breyley.

Brixham are still looking for a player-coach – no enquiries yet said Breyley – and unsure what their squad will look like.

“W will have to wait to see who turns up at nets,” said Breyley.

Mark Faulkner, the chairman of Kingskerswell & Chelston CC, said his club will be working hard to retrain their membership base.

“It is inevitable some players will not come back this year,” said Faulkner.

“My main concern is colts and youth cricketers moving on to something else.

People need something to get involved with so we will be offering lots of social involvement for members, new members and the community – Covid dependant of course.”

Plympton chairman Jon Goulder said: “We have been clinging on waiting to find out what the season holds and this will allow us to start to put plans into action and give players and captains the focus they need.

“We actually had more people wanting to play then we had places in teams last season, so with players that took the season off coming back, I believe we are in a very strong position.

“My only concern is with the cross over with the extended football season, which will bring a double whammy of potentially some players not being available at the start of the cricket league, and the impact on clubs with shared facilities as it will mean there is even more of a squeeze on spare grounds for our third team to play their home fixtures on.

“But we must be positive. These are all hurdles that can be overcome, with some compromise.”

Alex Clements, the Ottery St Mary captain, said: “Obviously it's fantastic news, especially after a very tough winter! 

“Looking forward to catching up with everyone and playing some cricket. 

“For the the first couple months players will be very rusty! With the lack of any sort of activity people will have to manage workloads and just be very sensible.

“Attendance was pretty good last season and from speaking to the players they're ready and raring the go as soon as we can.”

Jon Sparkes, chairman of the Devon Cricket Board and treasurer of Ivybridge CC, is another with some concerns.

“It’s a big boost to the game to know we can play for the full season having not done so last year or been able to have any of the usual winter cricket activity,” said Sparkes.

“Expecting a busy season at Ivybridge with lots of people wanting to play after being stuck at home during lockdown.

“Concerns would be around ensuring compliance around off-the-field activities and what social activities will be possible to keep fundraising going?

“Some concern about player availability later in the season as the world opens up again and people want holidays. Arguably, that’s no different to normal there.

“The bigger picture is there must be concern for some clubs that players drifted away to golf or other activities last year with no competitive cricket. Hopefully those guys do come back now there is a more usual league and cup programme.”

Some of Sparkes’ concerns were echoed by Matt Heather, who will steer Chudleigh in the B Division

“It is the uncertainty that players don't like, so it's great to know that we have a full season confirmed so that players can start preparing for the season,” said Heather.

“My concern is that availability may be a struggle in the late summer. I know that a lot of weddings etc had be postponed until this summer, so we will have a lot of players away for those. 

“Added to that, you have people booking holidays that they haven't been able to go on recently, you can't blame people for that! July/August may be difficult, we'll have to wait and see.”

Mark Lake, Hatherleigh’s captain, has a full season in his sights.

“Let’s get cracking again and fingers crossed everything goes to plan with the season starting as scheduled,” said Lake. 

“We are hoping to have Tino Mutumbodzo back as overseas. The contract is signed and sealed, all depending on travel and restrictions. 

“Everyone is hopefully looking forward to a full season to enjoy. Fingers crossed!”