By CONRAD SUTCLIFFE
ELLIOTT Staddon has agreed to serve a second stint as Cornwood’s 1stXI captain following the departure of Jackson Thompson to Sandford.
Staddon, a graduate of the Oak Park youth system, was skipper in 2016-17 before handing on to Matt Skeemer for three seasons.
Cornwood introduced Staddon to adult cricket back in 2007 in their third and first teams within three years he was a permanent fixture in the 2ndXI.
Staddon broke into the 1stXI at the start of the 2012 season, initially as a spin bowler, and has barely missed a game since.
He may have been a confirmed tail-ender in his early days, but a league collection of nine half-centuries since 2015 places Staddon in the all-rounder class now.
Graham Baskervillle, the Cornwood chairman, said Staddon’s commitment to the club and experience over more than a decade made him the right man for the captaincy.
“We are thrilled Elliott is eager to lead the players for a second time,” said Baskerville.
“We expect Elliott will be able to draw on his considerable experience, in what’s likely to be another challenging season in the DCL Premier Division.”
Cornwood were definitely challenged in 2021 when they only secured their survival with an unexpected final-day win over Sandford.
Staddon is confident that Cornwood can continue to surprise the pundits and secure a mid-table position in 2022.
“Staying up last season was a huge effort from all the lads,”said Staddon.
“We had to rely heavily on home-grown players to dig us out of the hole and I feel that experience and self-belief, together with an improved training regime will stand us in good stead next season.
“We are under no illusion that we will have to be better in several departments, but with players returning from injury, others having increased availability, together with the addition of a top quality professional, our squad is shaping up nicely.
“I am hopeful of being able to deliver the results needed to compete well in the top flight.”
Cornwood have engaged Indian batting all-rounder Jay Bista as their overseas player and big things are expected of the 25-year-old, who is used to playing in front of huge crowds for Mumbai.
“In five years he has been a stand-out performer for Mumbai, playing in more than 60 matches in all formats and scoring four First Class centuries,” said Staddon.
“His bowling is not too shabby either with a career best of five for 16 with his off-spin.
“We are thrilled that he’s chosen Cornwood CC for his first UK stint.”
Players coming back include Adam Talbott and Josh Coker, both blighted by injury in 2021, and ex-Yorkshire Premier Division batter Charlie Finan who had work commitments.
Gone for now is Devon batsman Ben Beaumont, who is living in Bristol and playing WEPL cricket for Bath, although he remains registered with Cornwood and can play on weekends at home.
Gone until further notice is Ciaran Gray, who has hooked-up with former captain Thompson at Sandford.
Cornwood run four Saturday sides in the Tolchards DCL and are always on the lookout for new players. Details of what’s on offer at Oak Park can be found at www.cornwood.cc or by emailing cornwoodcc@live.com
Robin Dart will lead the 2ndXI, Josh Wood is the new 3rdXI captain and Dave Tracey will continue as 4th XI skipper after winning promotion from the H Division West in 2021.
Ladies cricket is well established at Cornwood and training is going on through the winter at Ivybridge Community College. Email cornwoodcc@live.com for more details.
