EXETER, where Jon Lewis-Oliver has taken over as captain from Clint McCabe, get the Tolchards DCL season under way with a home game against fancied Paignton.

While the County Grounders had a middling season in 2025, Paignton finished as runners-up behind champs Bradninch & Kentisbeare.

Inevitably at Exeter there are comings and goings during the winter with batter Charlie Clist among the departures. He has moved to London.

Big things are expected of South African fast-bowler Cameron Fraser, who was talent-spotted playing for Rondesbosch CC by Exeter chairman Matt Williamson during a mid-winter trip to the republic.

“Cameron Fraser is an exciting overseas prospect as a seam-bowling all-rounder,” said Lewis-Oliver.

Devon all-rounder Sam Read was one of five Exeter players who spent the winter in the Southern Hemisphere honing their skills. County colleague Seb Linnitt was another.

“Buzzing to get started with this young and talented group,” said Lewis=Oliver.

SOUTH African all-rounder Aya Gqamane is on his way back to Paignton this summer for a second crack at Premier Division cricket in the Tolchards DCL.

Gqamane scored nearly 500 league and cup runs last season – and with 54 wickets at 10.07 runs each was easily the leading wicket taker in the Premier Division.

Skipper Harry Ward is looking to go one better than runners-up in 2025 and claim the club’s first Premier title since 2005.

“With Aya’s return I am really confident we can push on and challenge for the Premier title in 2026,” said Ward.

Said Ward: “The boys are really looking forward to getting started in the league. We’ve had a positive preseason and feel ready to go hopefully the weather holds up.

“Exeter are a strong side with plenty of quality and depth, so it’ll be a great test for us to start the campaign.”