By CONRAD SUTCLIFFE

SANDFORD skipper Richard Foan has just about completed the jigsaw rebuild of his first-team squad by contracting Zimbabwean international Donald Tiripano for the season ahead.

Tiripano, who will be 34 when the Tolchards’ DCL Premier Division season starts in May, has appeared for Zimbabwe in all three formats of the game.

Since making his debut in 2014, bowling all-rounder Tiripano has appeared in 68 internationals to date. In his last Test match he made a half-century against Bangladesh.

When Zimbabwe toured Ireland towards the end of the 2021 season, Tiripano was in the travelling party. Also on tour was former Bovey Tracey pro Luke Jongwe, who played Devon League cricket in 2017.

Tiripano plays domestic cricket for the Mountaineers franchise in his home-town of Mutare. With three tons and 12 centuries complimenting 271 wickets, he fits the profile of an all-rounder.

Richard Foan, the Sandford captain, believes Tiripano has plenty to offer both on and off the field.

“Donald has lots of experience of international cricket in all formats and I am delighted we have signed him,” said Foan.

“He comes highly recommended by former overseas players, not just for his playing ability but his personality and coaching as well. 

“Having lost Josh King we needed someone with a lot of variety to his bowling, not just with the new ball but to finish the innings as well. 

“Donald’s batting is more then handy as he has scored plenty of international runs. 

“With a vast youth selection and plenty of talented youngsters coming through I am sure he will help them through the summer. He might even be able to teach a couple of us older players a thing or two!”

So far Sandford have signed Jack Ford (Bideford), Jackson Thompson and Cirian Gray from Cornwood and Jon James from near neighbours Shobrooke Park.

Foan said there are no more new faces in the pipeline at the moment but added: “I would not say that was it though.”

“We have signed some real quality this winter and its great to see those players fitting in and practicing with smiles on their faces.”

Sandford have been working indoors for a while and Foan reports good attendances. He added: “We will be ramping things up ready to get going in April.”