CONRAD SUTCLIFFE REPORTING
SIDMOUTH swing into action against Paignton on the Fortfield in their first game of the new Premier Division season.
Gone from last season are Tom Simmons and George Addy (both to Exeter) and keeper-batter Jamie Baird, who has a new job in London.
“Jamie is still registered, but we don’t expect to see him, said Luke Bess, the Sidmouth captain.
Luke Beaufort, Sidmouth’s free-scoring South African batter in 2024, won’t be returning. His overseas role in the team has gone to fellow countryman Ethan Cunningham, an all-rounder contracted to Boland, who was capped at under-19 level.
Cameron Neame, who played with Sidmouth’s Sam Elstone in New Zealand during the UK winter is Sidmouth’s second team overseas player. He bowls in Premier cricket for Stoke Nayland in the Central Districts.
Joel Bennett, and Australian is Fortfield-bound as the third team's overseas player.
Matt Matravers, a keeper-batter, has stepped-up from C East cricket with Upottery on the back of a profitable 2024 season.
Matravers started last season with a ton against North Devon 2nd XI, finished it with another against Ottery St Mary and, in between, caned Barnstaple & Pilton for 131 not out. He will be contesting the gloves early on with Exeter University stumper Dylan Rawal (pictured, right).
Other new faces include Ethan Chiappe (Shaw CC, Manchester) and Matt Huntley (Newport, Salop), who have moved to the area due to work.
Also on the registration list are Sam Patidar and university scholars David Trego, Ed Horsfield and George Rose.
“It's great to have new faces at the club and competition for places,” said skipper Bess.
Bess said winning the Premier Division is ‘the ultimate goal’ but added: “We are under no illusions how tough that would be, especially this year where the standard looks to be improving again.
“As a 1st XI, and a club, we are working towards our own targets, but these are not necessarily short term.”
