EXMOUTH skipper Fin Marks thinks his side could be among the title contenders in the Premier Division this season.

Although Exmouth finished fifth in last season’s final table, Marks feels his side showed they could more than just compete with the best.

Marks is too canny to stick his neck out too far, but his comfortable pointing out a few facts.

“Our spirations are to win the title… just like everybody else,” said Marks.

“The favourites are obviously Sandford, Bradninch & Kentisbeare and Cornwood. But we beat two of them in the second half of last season and got rained off against the Ninch. 

“We proved in the second half we can beat anybody, so just need to perform like that for the whole season and see how we get on.”

Batter Billy Reed, formerly of Ottery and latterly Kilmington, now lives in Exmouth and has signed on the dotted line.

Keeper-batter Brendan Streather has switched from Teignmouth & Shaldon, where he averaged nearly 40 last season.

Former pro rugby player Ollie Dawe has returned to cricket with Exmouth and offers something with bat and ball.

Ethan Brenton’s return from Sidmouth adds depth in the seam-bowling department. 

Run-machine Jason Niemand – 1,500-plus league runs and 47 wickets in two previous seasons – is back from South Africa for a third turn.

Marks hopes to see the next generation of Exmouth players grow into first-teamers this season, especially seamer Elijah Pyne.

“Elijah impressed at the end of last season so, hopefully, he kicks on,” said Marks.