Moving on - Liam Lewis, who has rejoined Heathcoat from Sidmouth

DEVON batsman Liam Lewis has rejoined Heathcoat after six hugely successful seasons with Sidmouth.

Lewis, who is 32 later this year, started his Premier career with Exmouth (2004-07), then switched to Heathcoat for the 2008 season.

After four summers with Heathcoat (2008-11), including one as captain, Lewis departed for Sidmouth.

Sidmouth won three league titles (2012, 2014, 2016) and three Devon Cups (12, 14, 16) while Lewis was in the team.

Lewis played 80 Premier Division games for Sidmouth – the final one last Saturday against Hatherleigh – and accumulated 2,871 runs. He his 10 tons, 10 half-centuries and averaged a hefty 44.86.

Liam LewisFor most of his time at Sidmouth, Lewis has been a member of the Devon squad.

Lewis is a teacher at Blundell’s School in Tiverton, which is barely 10 minutes drive from Heathcoat’s ground. Sidmouth is a good 40 minutes away – if the roads are clear.

Proximity has a lot to do with Lewis’ move as in the three years he has been on the Blundell’s staff his appearances for Sidmouth have reduced due to work commitments.

Said Lewis: “I have loved my time at Sidmouth but now feels like the right time to move back.

“I can’t train at Sidmouth on Wednesdays due to work and that is the main reason.

“I have kept in close contact with most at Heathcoat and still have many good friends there.”

With Lewis back on board, and Devon colleague Jack Dart available again after missing the win over Bradninch last Saturday, Heathcoat look strong for the home date with lowly Bovey Tracey tomorrow.

“We haven't beaten Bovey in the league for a long time, but seem to have close games but can never get over the line,” said Heathcoat captain Peter Randerson. “Hoping this will change this weekend.”

Bovey, bottom of the table before winning at Sandford last Saturday, bring in ex-Ivybridge and Devon U17 batter Abraham Kopparambil for his debut.

Chris Yabsley drops downs the 2nd XI to get some overs bowled and wickets in the scorebook.

“Looking to carry on where we finished last week and make it two from two,” said Bovey captain Toby Codd.