BRIDESTOWE Cricket Club are hoping it will be another successful season after both the first and second team narrowly missed out on promotion.

The first team ended up finishing fifth in the Devon Cricket League C West after setting the pace for much of the year, whilst the second team finished third in Devon Cricket D West.

Top performers were Gary Sizmur, who picked up club bowler of the year and Tom Fogerty, who was batsman of the year, both were in the top five in the league stats. Overseas player Nazir Khan also had a great season and finished level on wickets with Gary and was a great addition to the side. Nazir is waiting on his EU citizenship but may be back to Bridestowe, if not another Devon club this summer.

Gary Sizmur will take over as first team captain from Mark Butler, who stepped down after two years in charge but is staying on as vice-captain.

The seconds finished third after winning more games than anyone else in their league. Tim Shaw dominated with the bat scoring three centuries, while captain Lee Jutson topped the league bowling averages. Club stalwart Lee will carry on as second team captain with Tim as vice-captain.

Bridestowe are always looking for new people to come along and join them for some friendly, fun cricket. The teams will be starting some pre-season training in March, making use of local indoor nets to get back into the swing of things.

On Saturday, April 2 at Bridestowe Cricket Ground the club are inviting people to join them for this year’s Cricket Force Day. This is a national initiative that welcomes the local community to the Millaton Ground for a fun morning of helping out with jobs to ready the ground and pavilion for the season. There will also be games for the kids and a cream tea so go along down with a paint brush or broom, and meet your local cricketers.