- South Dartmoor back to winning ways in cups
- Tom Allin tournament raised more than £5,000 for air ambulance
- Taverners kit bag delivered to Sri Lankan youngsters
- Devon trying to contact the class of 56
- Paceman Tshepo running in Virgin London Marathon
- Five Devon women in Western Storm squad for Kia Super League
- Registration night for all ages at Topsham on Monday
- Lots pouring in for auction at Allin Memorial tournament
- Thames Valley Gentlemen Cricket Club
- Bradninch add Argentinian flavour to Devon League
- Ipplepen youth registration night on Friday
- Final call for Groundsmans first seminar this year
- Devon League official tackling London Marathon for charity
- Bovey on familiar territory in Aaron Printers Cup
- Brockman Cup - Cup Kings lie in wait for holders
- Shepherd Trust helps Kingsbridge build for sustainable future
- DCL - Umpire Appointments 2016 (May 7th - July 2nd)
- Long standing records beaten
- North Devon see off Paignton chase
NEW Plymstock captain James Nichols has set his sights on a prompt return to the A Division following relegation last season, writes Conrad Sutcliffe
Plymstock had a turbulent year in the A Division, not helped by skipper Seb Jordan quitting the club mid-season and being replaced by former captain David Orchard.
Orchard did his best to save Plymstock from the drop in a three-way fight to the end with Abbotskerswell and Hatherleigh.
Plymstock defeated Hatherleigh by 13 runs on the penultimate day of the season, lifting them out of the bottom two.
But it all went wrong on a dramatic last day of the season when Plymstock tied with promoted Sandford and Hatherleigh beat bottom club Braunton to climb out of the bottom two.
Nichols, who learned his cricket with Callington then moved to Plymouth aged 13, had five seasons in the top flight with the city side before switching to Dean Cross two years ago.
The new man in charge has lost some faces from the dressing room, but remains positive Plymstock can go straight back up.
“I know we got relegated but we all learned from mistakes made and will be pushing for an immediate return back to the A Division,” said Nicholls.
“I am looking for all players at the club to pull in and make our club as good as it can be and I expect a lot from my team.
“Players like Josh Hocken Scott Mansfield and Morgan Parkinson have all the talent in the world and it's time for them to put this to use. I will be looking to bring the best out of them.”
Nichols isn’t the bashful sort – his uncomplicated approach to batting testifies to that – and he has a plan to get Plymstock back up.
“We will be looking to play attacking cricket and try to take control of games,” said Nichols.
“With my experience in the Premier Division I think that will leave us in a good position regarding tactics and executing plans.”
Nichols said three members of last season’s squad have already indicated they won’t be on board in 2014.
Perhaps not surprisingly Devon Lion Hallam Kerton is heading for Premier side Plymouth.
Keeper-batter Dan Robotham is going back to Plympton and taking Ollie Mulberry with him.
Recruiting-wise, Nichols has a few things up his sleeve.
“We have bought in Jason Williams from Civil and are close to signing a quick bowling overseas,” said Nichols.
I also have a few old contacts that I'm working on to bring in.
“We look strong as a team and as a club, shown by our 2nd XI finishing in their highest ever position last year.”
Nichols can be contacted on 07718 123618 by prospective new recruits.