REIGNING champions Sandford begin their defence of the Tolchards DCL Premier Division title they won last September with a tricky trip to Exmouth.

Jackson Thompson, the Sandford captain, has been hard at work since the end of last season strengthening the squad for the title defence.

There may be a clutch of new faces in the dressing room, some with international pedigrees, but Thompson knows from previous experiences how tough Exmouth are to beat.

 "It can get dicey at times with Exmouth, so we look forward to another year of tough cricket with them," he said.

“Exmouth are a good side and we ready to go!”

Sandford, who finished 26 points ahead of Bradninch & Kentisbeare in the Tolchards Devon Cricket League Premier Division last season, have UAE international Ayran Lakra on board for the defence of their title.

“Ayran is savouring his first overseas experience in our conditions,” said Thompson. “He is very talented and no doubt the Premier Division will see that this year.

Praison Alias, a former under-19 and under-23 Kerala State player from India will be assisting the second team as an overseas player.

“Praison moved to Exeter recently to live and work in the UK, but js classed as an overseas until 2025,” said Thompson.

Also new to Creedy Park is Tom Maidment, who teaches at Exeter School and is a former Worcestershire youth cricketer 

“Tom has hard-hitting ability, is a useful off-spinner and a jet in the field, who will bolster our squad when his commitment with the school finishes,” said Thompson.

Other signings include Ben Handley, who has switched from Ottery St Mary, and former Sidmouth player Byron Knowles. 

Handley, who played in Ottery’s under-15 side last season, is a batter regarded as one to watch out for.

Knowles, who started out with Sidmouth as an under-15 player, has won games with bat and ball during his time at the Fortfield. Highlights during 139 league and cup games include a century against Seaton in 2017 and a six-wicket haul against Sandford in 2022.

Sandford have also signed England under-19 seamer Raphael Weatherall, a student at the University of Exeter, although how much they see of him is doubtful.

“We had wished Raphael would start for us but instead he is in Northamptonshire's squad and doing well,” said Thompson. “He will play for us when available.”

Weatherall played in two under-19 Test matches against Australia last season, in which he operated with the new ball, and played in one 50-over international against Ireland.

Retaining the Premier Division title is Thompson’s aim and he believes he has a group of players capable of delivering.

“Having experienced players such as Jamie Palmer, Harrison Jones and Ryan Glass to name a few, along with the youth of Adam Small, Lawrence Walker, Matt Jeacock, James Theedom and Jack Ford, make for another mouth-watering prospect for us to build on last season,” said Thompson.