By CONRAD SUTCLIFFE
ALPHINGTON & Countess Wear hope to cash-in on James Bovey’s Premier Division past when the new season starts in the Tolchards DCL.
Alphington & Countess Wear were among the also-rans in the C Division East last summer as their promotion bid fizzled out in the final third of the season.
James Bogue, who led the 1st XI for three seasons following the merger between Alphington and Countess Wear cricket clubs, and won promotion from the D Division in 2021, has stepped aside to give Bovey a crack at the job. 
“The time is right for some young, fresh enthusiasm – and I'm absolutely delighted James Bovey is taking the mantle on,” said Bogue.
Bovey, 23, played exactly 50 Premier games for Exeter between his debut against Bovey in 2016 and his last outing against Hatherleigh in 2021. Although primarily a batter, as back-to-back half-centuries against Heathcoat and Sandford in 2021 proved, he also picked-up useful wickets as a change bowler.
Giles Ashman, the Alphington & Countess Wear chairman, hopes Bovey can move the club back towards their traditional home in the B Division.
“I hope we can use James’ experience of playing Premier Division cricket to bring success to club,” said Ashman.
The new man at the helm has no qualms about setting out his aims for the season ahead.
“After going close last year, promotion is definitely the natural next step,” said Bovey.
“We all understand it's a tough division to get out of as only the top team goes up, but we feel confident and ready for the fight.”
Alphington benefited greatly from having South African seamer Luan Liebenberg as their overseas player last season and have brought him back for a second crack at Devon League batsmen. He took 38 wickets at less than 16 runs each as well as totting-up 469 league runs.
Gone from last year is the former Exeter City manager Matt Taylor, whose 3,000-plus league and cup runs in 48 games spread over eight seasons was a welcome boost. He is now the manager of Rotherham United.
“Although we are disappointed to lose Matt, we have picked-up some new players as well,” said Ashman.
Among the players new to the Chronicles are Toby Jones, one of Bovey’s former Exeter clubmates. All-rounder Jones, who moved from Surrey to Devon in 2018, has played Premier and A Division cricket for the County Ground outfit. His personal bests are 77 not out against Paignton last season and three for 34 against Cullompton in 2020.
“After losing Matt Taylor for the majority of the season, and Joe Satt to family commitments, I felt we needed some more fire power at the top of the order, which Toby will bring,” said new skipper Bovey.
Cricket runs in the Bovey family as dad Martin, grampa Ron Partridge and uncle Adrian Partridge all played for Countess Wear, as did James before leaving for Exeter aged 11 or 12. Mum Sam looked after the scorebook as a teenager.
“Dad played with my mum’s late father Ron Partridge and that's how my parents met each other,” said Bovey.
Bovey said he joined Exeter to further his cricket career, but is happier being at Alphington & Countess Wear.
“I left to get my love for cricket back and what seemed to have become a burden is something I know look forward to each week,” said Bovey..
“I talk openly about my struggles with my mental health and coming to Alphington & Countess Wear has certainly helped bring back the love for cricket.”
Alphington & Countess Wear have one more indoor training session this Thursday (8-9pm) at the Devon Cricket Centre on the University of Exeter campus.
Outdoor training starts on Wednesday, April 12 (6.15pm) at the Chronicles.
[O] Alphington & Countess Wear have added a new ladies section to their offer for the season ahead. The club is actively looking to recruit a new coach for the ladies and junior sections. Contact Ashman by emai lgela@exeterschool.org.uk for details.
