Devon Cricket Board - Bideford looking to surprise new rivals

Bideford looking to surprise new rivals

BIDEFORD return to the A Division on Saturday with an away game at Bradninch.
Two successive promotions have taken Bideford back to the A Division, where they last played in 1998,when they were relegated out of it alongside Hatherleigh.
Bradninch have recruited heavily over the winter and are tipped to return to the Premier Division after a two-year absence.
James Ford, the Bideford skipper, said the challenge for his new boys is to step up to the standard required in a hurry.
“We have to realise that it will be a big step up,” said Ford.
“As a club it's been 17 years since we have been in the A Division, whereas all the clubs we have to play have been playing regular Premier or A Division for many seasons.
“We have pretty much the same squad as our two promotion seasons which I am more than happy with, they all deserve the chance of playing A Division cricket.
“Hopefully we can surprise a few people.”
Batsman Will Barratt is back after two seasons away working and has scored two fifties already.
Youngsters Tom Brend and Jamie Lathwell are two future stars and will play some part this season.
Australian keeper batsman Josh Roach is back for a second season.
Seamer Josh King has left for North Devon as he looks to enhance his county chances by playing at a higher level.

HATHERLEIGH, where Mark Lake continues as captain for another season, begin the season by visiting Lewdown.

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