BARTON captain Steve Lewis is understandably cautious on the eve of a new season after the trials and tribulations at Cricketfield Road in 2025.

Lewis led Barton to promotion back to the A Division in 2024, but problems sourcing an overseas player hindered the team from day one last summer. By the time overseas aid arrived, it was almost too late to stave off the drop.

“Not sure what to aim for and haven’t really thought much past Plympton in our first match, which will be a very tough start,” said Lewis.

“We will go into every match looking for a way to win them. Our main aim is to get more players contributing to wins and developing all the time.”

Barton have got Muhammad Basit firmly in place as their overseas player from the get-go. He is a top-order batter and occasional spin bowler who has played for Pakistan at under-19 level and both Multan and Shair Associates in domestic cricket. With a batting average in the 50s for Middlesborough in the North Yorks & South Durham League last season, he can clearly play.

"He is a top order batsman and can bowl spin, we are excited to have him at the club after seeing his stats and clips. Hoping he comes and enjoys his time here, succeeds and helps the club in all aspects which we do our best to facilitate," said Lewis

AUSSIE batter Kyle Faber is back at Braunton for another crack at B Division cricket in the Tolchards DCL.

Faber made more than 500 league runs for the Kelsey side last season, which included centuries against Plymstock and Bideford on consecutive Saturday afternoons!

And the Faber picked-up where he left off last season with a warm-up 150 not out in Saturday’s friendly fixture with Barnstaple & Pilton.

“Kyle found his feet and racked up some huge scores for us last season,” said Braunton captain Sam Reddick. We are very excited to have him back in the side. 

“Kyle not only will bolster our batting, he will have a huge impact on the junior section of our club.”

Gone from last season are veteran spinner Steve Moore, who took 27 DCL wickets, and seamer James Lake. Both have switched to North Devon.

“Steve was still delivering fantastic results at the B Division level so losing him is a blow to our side,” said Reddick.

“We have people willing to step up as we look to build a new identity. We wish both Steve and James the best over at Instow.”

Newly-promoted Braunton lived on the edge for most of last season and were just seven points away from an instant return to the FC Division East.

Reddick is confident of better times ahead this season, which commences away to Stoke Gabriel.

“We put together some solid performances at times last year and are are looking to become a far more consistent outfit in 2026,” said Reddick.

BIDEFORD have signed South African off-spinner Fawaaz Gallie for their hoped-for promotion push out of the Tolchards DCL B Division.

Gallie plays Division One cricket in the Western Province League for United CC, for whom he took 24 wickets in the season just end.

Jamie Lathwell has re-joined Bideford after a stint on Braunton’s books, although how often he will feature is uncertain.

“Jamie’s been travelling for a couple years, and still will be this year for the majority.”

Fred King is another old face back at Westward Ho! He has followed brother Josh back from nearby North Devon CC.

King marked his debut second time around for Bideford with 106 not out from 83 balls faced in a warm-up win over Wellington.

Bideford get the season up and running this Saturday away to Plymstock.

STOKE Gabriel, at home to Braunton in round one, will be aiming to build on their Corinthian Cup final win over Budleigh Salterton with a promotion push in the B Division.

Stoke were never far away from the top three last season, but lacked the consistency to finish higher than sixth.

Skipper Jack Tolley knows what has to change to move closer to the promotion places.

“Better availability, consistency in our team selection and more effective training sessions,” said Tolley.

Big-hitting South African Justin Pringle remains a fixture at the club, but a UK work visa means he is no longer classed as an overseas player.

Tyler Hunter, a top-order bat and quick bowler, has arrived from Australia to fill the overseas role. Mitch Trewin, and off-spinner, is the 2nd XI’s overseas player.