HEATHCOAT v EXMOUTH

HEATHCOAT’S new captain Liam Lewis is looking for the next generation to showcase their talents in the Premier Division season ahead, writes Conrad Sutcliffe.

Lewis is back as skipper a decade after he last held the job and has a hard act to follow as Pete Randerson’s replacement.

Randerson, who stepped down at the end of last season, led Heathcoat to a Premier Division crown and the Devon Cup after he took over from title-winning predecessor Jackson Thompson in 2020.

Although Lewis was a member of both Premier-winning teams, his focus is firmly fixed on the future and not the past.

“We have lots of extremely talented youngsters coming through who will get opportunities throughout the season,” said Lewis.

“Ed Butler, Harry Southgate, Sammy Broomhead and Tom Hatton are all ones to look out for.”

Since Heathcoat finished third behind Bradninch and Sandford in last season’s Premier Division standings, there has been a big change in the club’s set-up.

Heathcoat merged with nearby Sampford Peverell & Tiverton during the winter to create a super club putting out four league sides every Saturday.

“It is going to be an exciting time for the club,” said Lewis.

Heathcoat got through most of last season without Devon seamer Joe Hancock (injured) and batter Jack Dart (work commitments). Both will be regularly available in 2023.

“That is like having two new top-drawer signings,” said Lewis.

Jack Tucker has switched from D East side Feniton, which adds more depth to Heathcoat’s seam bowling options.

Heathcoat’s new overseas player is Indian Kumar Kushagra. He is an 18-year-old keeper-batsman playing First Class and List A cricket for Jharkhand.

“Kumar is keen to get going and we are keen to see him in action,” said Lewis.

Heathcoat open the season against Lewis’ former club Exmouth at Knightshayes.

EXMOUTH return to the Premier Division after a season away with an away game at Heathcoat.

There was never any real doubt Exmouth would go straight back up after they won their first eight games last season before arch rivals Budleigh Salterton slowed them down.

South African batter Jason Niemand was the star of the show with 1,086 league runs at an average in the 90s, aided and abetted by James Horler – 823 in all competitive games – and Dan Pyle (479).

All three remain at the Maer this year along with the Greenway brothers, Lawrence and George, who shared more than 70 wickets between them.

Lawrence Greenway led the side to promotion as captain, but has moved aside this season due to family pressures. Fin Marks will skipper the team.