TOM Mitch’s first act as Plymstock’s new captain has been to sign South African all-rounder Tyrese Karelse as the club’s overseas player.

Mitch has taken over from long-serving James Nicholls, who stepped aside following relegation from the Tolchards DCL A Division at the end of last season.

Karelse, who will be 22 in May, is a left-handed batsman and medium-quick bowler, currently playing First Class cricket for South Western Districts.

His playing CV includes representing South Africa in the ‘home’ 2022 ICC Under-19 World Cup, when he was a team-mate of Luke Beaufort and Bryce Parsons, who were Sidmouth’s overseas players in 2023 and 2024 respectively.

Karelse hit a rapid 60 in a group-game win over Canada. Four of his seven under-19 caps were earned at the World Cup.

With runs and wickets in all three formats of the professional game, Mitch sees Karelse as a handy signing.

“Tyrese will add strong depth to our bowling attack as well as bolstering the batting line-up,” said Mitch.

“He is a qualified coach as well, so will be great to have him involved around the club.”

Mitch has lost Hal Kerton and Matt Whalley from the squad he inherited from Nicholls, both of whom have gone to Plymouth for a tilt at Premier cricket. Mitch admitted that was a setback, but not a disaster.

“Losing two of your players who have contributed so much to the recent success to the club isn’t ideal,” said Mitch.

“We all wish Hal all the best for the future and hope Matty kicks on and goes as far as he wants to in the game.”

Despite relegation last season, Plymstock’s overall direction of travel in recent seasons has been upwards. Under Nicholls they won two promotions to reach the A Division.

Mitch is aiming to return to an upward trajectory.

“Jimmy has done a great job as skipper over the last six years putting the club in the good place it is in now,” said Mitch.

“The team we have will still be more than competitive moving forward, and I’m excited for the challenge in continuing the good momentum we have as a club.

“I think the aim is definitely to bounce back from relegation last year and get promoted again. We all know we’re good enough as a team to do it.

“Our bowling unit has been our strength in recent years, so scoring more runs consistently is something we need to do going into the 2025 season.”