Promotion is the dream for Exmouth Cricket Clubs 2nds this season and they are already making moves to achieve that ambition.

Talented youngster Ethan Brenton is returning to the Maer from Sidmouth, with batsman Tom Clay also moving along the coast, while the experience of Adrian Pullin could be a major asset for the club over the summer months.

Exmouth 2nds skipper Richard Baggs told the Tolchards Devon Cricket League website: “Adrian is a competitive bowler and will do a job for us. We need a little experience in the middle order so having Adrian helps.”

Pullin added: “My dad was asked by a man in a pub if I played cricket – I was actually a boxer at the time – and I had a go.

“The first five times I batted I got ducks – three of them goldens – but the following season I scored my first ton. I think I have made around 40 since then.

“I moved to Devon in 1989 ­– I would have been 20 or 21 at the time - and started playing with Brian Cann at Honiton.”

Pullin was also a talented amateur footballer in his younger days but the 55 year-old is purely focussed on cricketing success these days, and the signs are looking positive for Exmouth 2nds, who open their campaign with a trip to Ottery St Mary on May 4.

The Maer is also preparing for the ‘Get Set Weekend’ on March 23 & 24 from 10am – 3pm. This fun weekend is a terrific opportunity to help Exmouth CC get ready for the 2024 cricket season and to get those juices flowing for a super summer out in the middle.

Elsewhere in the DCL, Cullompton have also been busy with their recruitment drive, bringing in a number of new faces, including former Sri Lankan professional Deshan Dias, who has scored more than 3,000 runs in First-Class cricket.

Budleigh Salterton CC are hosting a training session for players to join their women’s softball cricket team. No experience is required, just plenty of enthusiasm, and new players are welcome. The first session will be at the Holt (Budleigh Salterton CC) on Tuesday, April 23 from 6.15pm. Get on down for a try and see if softball is the game for your summer.