The Parr brothers – Jason (left) and Brendon (right) on awards night at Cullompton CC<br>credit: Contributed

By CONRAD SUTCLIFFE

ABBOTSKERSWELL won’t have to worry about Brendon Parr assaulting their bowling next season as he will be playing for them!

The Parr brothers – Brendon and Jason – have switched allegiances from Cullompton to Abbotskerswell for the 2022 season in the Tolchards Devon Cricket League.

The brothers have earned a formidable reputation in the DCL for the match-winning performances in league and cup – as Abbots have found out the hard way.

Back in 2017 Brendon Parr destroyed Abbotskerswell’s chances in a Corinthian Cup semi-final when he flogged their bowling for 111 off just 38 balls in a T20 contest.

Abbots last ran into Brendon on the final day of the 2021 season when he flayed their bowling for an unbeaten 109 off exactly 100 deliveries.

Brendon’s six seasons at Cullompton produced nearly 4,000 runs in all competitions – six tons, 23 fifties – and 115 wickets. His100 scalps at 21.37 each in the league leave no question over his credentials as an all-rounder.

Jason Parr has been a match-winner with bat and ball during his six summers with Cullompton. He has more than 2,000 league runs and 106 wickets to his name as well as a six-wicket haul in T20 cup cricket against Thorverton.

Older brother Jason is the proud owner of two double-hundreds, both scored for previous club Tiverton in 2015 before they merged with Sampford Peverell.

After Cullompton were relegated from the A Division at the end of last season, rumours soon started to circulate that the Parr brothers would be moving on.

Abbotskerswell knew as well as anyone how effective the brothers are with bat and ball and it wasn’t long before they two parties started talking.

Nick Watkin, the Abbotskerswell captain, said: “Jason and Brendon are excellent signings for the club who strengthen both our batting and bowling. 

“I was really impressed with them when we came up against them last season and they are two people you definitely want on your side rather than against you. 

“The club are delighted to have got their signing over the line as I know other clubs were interested in them.”

Brendon Parr said it would be a wrench leaving Cullompton after achieving so much in a short period, but the time was right to move on.

“What a journey it was with Cullompton CC,” said Parr.

“We had just been promoted from the D Division East when I joined and to go through the divisions to reach the A Division was something special.

“Sadly, last season didn't go quite to plan, but I know the guys will be back competing well next season in the B Division. 

“I have so many fantastic league and T20 memories to take with me and I wish Cullompton all the best for the future.

“Now I am looking forward to a fresh challenge with Abbots. Having played against them they seem like a great bunch of lads, on and off the field. 

“Nick leads by example with his captaincy and I am excited with his plans going forward.”