BARNSTAPLE & Pilton will have some new faces in the dressing room when the Tolchards DCL D Division East season gets under way.
Batting all-rounder Justin Saker has signed from Filleigh, where he has had two spells either side of two stints with Barton.
With a league batting average across the divisions in the 40s, and 117 wickets at less than 19 runs each, Saker is a welcome addition to the playing roster.
Family commitments limited Aussie Saker to just two appearances last season, but a change in circumstances led to him joining Barnstaple & Pilton.
“My kids are a bit older now and it is a nice little spot and family place for them to run around,” said Saker. “Quite a lot of mates play down there.
“I will miss the odd game but, hopefully, should be around for most of the season.”
Lee Cole, who doubles up as chairman and 1st XI captain, said: “Signing Justin from Filleigh is a massive boost.”
Conner Nash has signed from Newton Tracey and will be available when he has finished the football season with Boca Juniors.
Nash’s appearances for Newton Tracey were limited last season, but a six-wicket haul against Heathcoat showed what he is capable of.
Veteran seamer Giles Bashford has re-joined B&P from Bideford and bowling all-rounder Charles Langdon has returned to cricket after some years away from the game.
Robin Norton will continue to captain the 2nd XI and carry on as groundsman.
Clive Ball has been appointed captain of the new 3rd XI, which will play most home games at West Buckland School. Some games will be staged at Chittlehampton, a local village club.
“Special mention to player Matt Smith for all of his hard work out of season to get the third team up and running,” said Cole.
Another familiar figure soldiering on his umpire Les Symonds, who is marking 60 years with the club in 2026.
“Les was a regular player in his younger days with the club, he has also been chairman and now first-team umpire,” said Cole. “He says this is his last year, but he said that last year so we will see…”
Cole said other new faces have been seen at well-attended pre-season nets, and added the club looks in good shape across the teams.
“There is a great buzz around the club from the seniors right to the ladies’ team, who recently finished runners-up in the Devon Area Indoor finals at St Luke’s College.”
Having finished a respectable fourth last summer, a promotion push could be on the cards.
Cole has had a look at the opposition and is cautious about making rash predictions.
“If we can improve on last year’s position then we are going the right direction, but it looks like a very competitive division,” said Cole.
Barnstaple & Pilton’s league programme commences at home to arch rivals North Devon 2nd XI, where former B&P skipper Steve Moore has arrived from Braunton and been installed as captain.
