Devon Cricket Board - Dawson 'going home' to Exmouth

Dawson 'going home' to Exmouth

Bowler Matt Webb, who has left Thorverton for Exmouth this season

FORMER Devon captain Bob Dawson is ‘going home’ to Exmouth this summer to finish his career where it all began.

Dawson, 44 at the end of this month, came up through the youth section at Exmouth, where dad Barry was a permanent playing fixture in the 50s, 60s and early 70s.

Young Dawson played for the full Devon side aged 18 and within a year was being trailed by Gloucestershire, who finally put him on the staff in 1992.

Dawson made infrequent appearances for Exmouth and Devon during his time at Gloucestershire, which ended in 1999.

When Dawson returned to Devon he had a couple of summers with Budleigh, then left for a two-year stint in Cornwall with St Buryan.

Dawson (left) was back at Budleigh for the 2004 season and went on to play more than 150 games in the Premier Division for the Ottermouth outfit.

Despite scoring 869 runs last season – only Sidmouth’s Liam Lewis (904) made more – Dawson couldn’t prevent Budleigh Salterton being relegated out of the top flight.

Rumours have been rife ever since that Dawson would be on the move and he has ended the speculation by confirming his return to Exmouth.

“At the end of the day it's my club and my whole childhood was spent on that ground,” said Dawson. “My dad is over the moon.

“Playing for Exmouth means Premier cricket, no travelling for the family, playing with mates and for enjoyment.

“The challenge of trying to win everything is also exciting.”

Richard Baggs, the skipper who led Exmouth to the Premier title last term, said he understood why Dawson wanted to come home.

“Bob wants to play Premier cricket and finish his career where he started as he is an Exmouth lad,” said Baggs.

“He just wants to play with his mates and enjoy cricket again as he hasn't really enjoyed the last three years.”

Joel Murphy, who skippered Budleigh last season, said he was disappointed Dawson had left the club.

“Bob Dawson is a legend in Devon cricket and no one likes to lose gun players of his ability,” said Murphy.

‘I was surprised he stayed with us last year, because it was clear he wasn’t enjoying it, but he did and we thought he would be with us this season as well.

“I toitally understand Bob’s reasons for going. He doesn’t have that many years left and would like to finish up with his old mates at Exmouth, such as Sandy Allen, Trevor Anning and David Lye.

“Everyone at Budleigh hopes he goes well this season.”

Dawson isn’t the only signing Exmouth have made in the past few days.

Former Budleigh Salterton, Sidmouth and North Devon pacer Matt Webb is also on his way to the Maer Ground for 2014.

Webb, 34, played a handful of times for Devon between 1998-2006. He also spent part of 2001 playing for Kent 2^nd XI.

After a three-year break from the game, Webb made a comeback last summer with B Division outfit Thorverton.

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