PLYMOUTH have added up-and-coming all-rounder Matt Whalley to their playing roster for their return to the Tolchards DCL Premier Division in the summer ahead.

Whalley, who bats and bowls left-arm spin, has learned his cricket with B Division Plymstock, where dad Ian and brother Ben are permanent fixtures in one of the sides on a summer Saturday.

Sam Stein, the Plymouth captain, said Plymouth College sixth-former Whalley was high on his wanted list when the squad building process started.

“We knew Matt's talents and were desperate to get him over the line and are pleased to have done so,” said Stein.

“Matt offers us both with the bat and ball – which is always a bonus – and being left-handed is always desirable.”

James Nicholls, Plymstock’s outgoing captain, said the time is right for Whalley to step-up a level.

“This is the right decision for Matt’s cricketing career and he will be well looked after by Sam and the lads at Plymouth,” said Nicholls.

“I have skippered every first-team game Matt’s played in and am proud of how he has grown. Hopefully, this is the next step for him towards having a crack at higher honours.

“Matty, as are all of the Whalleys, are a massive part of Plymstock … and that won't change.

“We would love to wish Matt all the best at Plymouth.”

Ian Whalley, Matt’s dad, said although it was a wrench leaving Plymstock his son felt I was the right move.

“Matt has been around the club since he was four years old, and is sad to leave, but knows now is the time to push himself and develop against the best players in the county,” said Ian.

“Plymouth getting promoted, and knowing a number of the younger guys there from Plymouth College, made it the right place to play.

Whalley junior has been through the Devon youth system since under-10 level and quickly caught the eye of the ECB coaching department.

Whalley’s progress in youth cricket led to an invitation to play for the South & South West team at the 2023 Bunbury Festival a Loughborough University.

Scores of Bunbury alumni have gone on to play First Class and Test cricket. Ten of the 11 members of England’s World Cup-winning team in 2019 graced previous festivals.

Whalley is part of the ECB Pathway scheme for aspiring young cricketers and is on Somerset’s radar as part of the process.

Whalley is the second Plymstock player to join Plymouth during the close season. Hal Kerton, another all-rounder, made the switch before Christmas.