Devon Cricket Board - Paignton ready for step up says Benton

Paignton ready for step up says Benton

PAIGNTON are pitched straight back into the Premier Division on Saturday with a tricky trip to Bovey Tracey.
It has taken Paignton three years to get back in the top flight and for most of the young players in the side it will be a new experience.
Having gone close in 2013 when they finished third, Paignton brought in South African Zubayr Hamza last season and he made the difference.
Hamza’s 772 runs at an average in the 60s sped Paignton to the A Division title.
Getting up and staying up are two different things – as Sandford were reminded last season.
Skipper Connor Bryan won’t be around at the start of the season due to a back condition that may require surgery.
Bryan is looking to consolidate and build for the future, adding: “As a team we are capable of beating anyone so the year ahead is an exciting one.”
While Bryan is sidelined George Benton is leading the team and he is upbeat about the prospects.
“We know it will be tough as it’s a very good standard, but we are all ready for the step up,” said Benton.
“The team are all up for the season and I don't see ourselves being in the relegation battle. “We've trained quite a lot over winter and are coming along nicely.”
Paignton’s overseas player this year is another South African, Tyler Sylvester. He is an off-spin bowler and middle-order batsman who, according to Benton, is ‘keen to make his mark’.

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