Devon Cricket Board - Galhenage, Piper and Stevenson on way to Torquay

TORQUAY skipper Justin Yau has started squad building early for the 2015 season by making three new signings and hanging on to a key member of last season’s team.
Torquay, where new £80,000 practice facilities have just been completed, were involved in a survival fight last season to stay in the top flight.
In the three seasons since Torquay returned to Devon’s top flight in 2012 they have failed to finish higher up the table than fourth from bottom.
Torquay need batting and bowling firepower to avoid another relegation fight and are hoping to get both from spin-bowling all-rounder Sachintha Galhenage,
Galhenage played for A Division side Chudleigh in 2014 after a successful season at home in South Africa for Free State U19s and Grey College.
Although Chudleigh were relegated, Galhenage had a successful season for them, scoring more than 400 league runs and taking 22 wickets.
“I am really glad to join the Torquay family and really excited to meet everyone,” said Galhenage.
“I cannot wait to start the hard work and have fun with the lads.
“It’s a huge privilege to join Torquay and I'm honoured to play for them.
“I’m looking forward to the task ahead, it's a big challenge but I'm always up for a challenge and will work even harder to make sure the clubs moves towards the right direction.”
Yau said Galhenage has ambitions to go higher in the game and a season with Torquay could be the springboard he needs.
“Sach comes with a good pedigree and - most importantly - fits the mould of what we are about,” said Yau.
“We are all young and hungry and want to succeed and he will fit in exceptionally well with the rest of the lads.
“I have heard nothing but positive things about him and we are looking forward to seeing what he will add next season.”
A player on his way back to Torquay in 2015 for a second stint is keeper-batsman Tim Piper, who was captain of Bradninch last season.
Piper was briefly with Torquay during the 2005 season when he was a teenager, but became ill not long after arriving and went back to Bradninch before the mid-summer transfer deadline.
Piper stayed with Bradninch after they were relegated from the Premier Division in 2013 and had hoped to lead the team back at the first attempt. It didn’t happen.
Torquay skipper Yau will be hoping his old Devon U17 team-mate brings some of the 365 runs he made in 2014 with him.
“Tim is an excellent signing who will add crucial experience and depth to our batting,” said Yau.
“He has been around a long time now and I know what he is capable of; having played with him throughout the Devon age groups as well as when he played for Torquay before.
“He is a real fighter and a great team man – I have no doubt he will be a success with us and that he will enjoy every game he plays.”
Also in his way to Torquay is last season’s Dartington & Totnes captain Ryan Stevenson, who has been on the wish list of a number of clubs for some time.
All-rounder Stevenson played in the same Devon youth team as Torquay and Devon keeper-batsman Matt Thompson, but was torn between cricket and golf for some time.
Cricket finally won and Stevenson has been a consistent performer in the lower divisions for several seasons.
It is a big step from the C Division to the top flight, but one Stevenson agrees is overdue.
“It’s come to a stage where I want to test myself against the best players in Devon,” said Stevenson.
“I am very fond of Torquay having played there a number of times.
“I loved my time at Totnes and the people I played with there too.
“It will always remain my childhood club but I am motivated and ready to challenge myself.
“I wish Totnes all the best in the future and thank them all for their support in my cricket upbringing. I cannot wait to get going next summer in the Devon Prem.
Yau said he had been after Stevenson for some time and was confident his target man will deliver in the Premier Division.
“His stats speak for themselves and he will add strength and depth in all departments,” said Yau.
“I have no doubt he will be a big hit in the Devon prem this season – he has got everything in his locker- can bowl fierce spells, hits the ball a long way and is a brilliant fielder.
“He could be one of the most effective players around next season and I cannot wait to see him get going.”
Mitchell Pugh, who came over form Australia last season to bat up the order and bowl a bit as well, has committed to another season.
Yau says there may be more signings to come, although there are no names yet.
“We are in advanced talks with one or two and are hopeful we can get them on board,” said Yau.
“We thought we would get into the market early to ensure we will be prepared with the correct personnel so we are set to go in the summer.
“It’s the most exciting season coming up for Torquay CC for years and we hope with the new facilities available that we can hit the ground running.
“We have a very hungry squad, lads who are all around the same age and have the same dedication and desire to compete at the top level.
“We want to be the best we can be, we are all extremely driven and motivated and I am confident we can be successful with this group.
“With Max Waller likely to be around for most of the season too, I really think we can push for a top-half finish this season.”