By CONRAD SUTCLIFFE

EXETER have signed Northants quick bowler Raphy Weatherall from Sandford as extra firepower for the first few weeks of the Tolchards DCL Premier Division season.

Weatherall, who toured India with England under-19s in 2023, will play for Exeter when his other commitments permit.

Weatherall, a student at the University of Exeter, played the first three games of the season for Sandford last summer before other commitments got in the way. He took four wickets at around 18 runs each.

Northants used Weatherall in all formats of the game last season at 1st XI and 2nd XI level. He made his First-Class debut. He featured in four County Championship matches, five List A games and nine Vitality Blast T20 fixtures.

Jackson Thompson, the Sandford skipper, wished Weatherall all the best.

“Raphael has decided to join Exeter this season and he goes with our best wishes,” said Thompson.

“He played a handful of games for us last season, and we were pleased to see him play for Northants too.”

Matt Williamson, the Exeter chairman, said switching from Sandford to Exeter was a practical move for Weatherall.

“It makes more sense for him as he lives 200 metres from our ground,” said Williamson.

“We are delighted Raphy is joining us and look forward to watching him steam in on the County Ground whenever he is available.”

Williamson said other new signings are pending, although he won’t confirm them until the paperwork is signed off.

One move Williamson can confirm is the appointment of left-arm spin bowler Clint McCabe as Exeter’s new first-team captain. He replaces Joe Gore, whose two years in charge included winning promotion from the A Division back into the top flight in 2023.

“Clint’s appointment was made official at our annual meeting,” said Williamson.