By CONRAD SUTCLIFFE

THORVERTON get their pre-season programme under way today when they entertain Cullompton at Station Road.

New signing Tom Diamond, a 22-year-old University of Exeter student with an impressive CV, is set to make his debut for Jake Choules’ side.

“Tom has previously played for Aberdeenshire CC in Scotland and in the WEPL for Taunton,” said the captain. 

“He will bolster the batting line-up and could be another seam option with the ball as well. 

Tom is an exciting signing and a testament to what we're building at the club.”

Harry Choules, the captain’s brother, has opted for cricket ahead of football this summer, which means Thorverton can rely on him to keep wicket and bat in the middle order.

Skipper Choules is in contact with a level-three coach who is moving to the area later in the summer but keeping his cards close to his chest about him until he has something to reveal.

FORMER captain Stuart Shaw is on his way back to Alphington & Countess Wear this season after a brief stint with Exmouth.

Shaw led the pre-merger Alphington club from 2009-2017 before scaling down his cricket commitments for a couple of years.

Chronicles insiders were surprised when Shaw left for Exmouth this time last year, but 12 months on he is back in the home dressing room and ready to go under successor James Bogue.

Shaw said although he enjoyed his time at Exmouth, there really is no place like home.

“Lockdown was tough and friends I have their just showed how much they mean to me,” said Shaw.

“I am impressed with the vision of the club and looking forward to going back to play with my mates.”