KILMINGTON have re-signed batting all-rounder Josh Short from WEPL neighbours Chard for the season ahead in the Tolchards DCL A Division.
The Kestrels, who missed out on promotion due to ECB rules on running youth sections, look in good shape for the season ahead.
Short made nearly 450 league runs in 2022 – and chipped in with 21 wickets. He has spent the UK winter in New Zealand honing his skills with Papamoa CC, who play in the Bay of Plenty competition.
Brett Garner, Kilmington’s senior player, is hoping for big things from Short in the season ahead.
“Josh returning offers more strength to our middle order, and a different dimension to our bowling with his off-spin, not to mention his sharp fielding skills,” said Garner.
“We are excited he has returned home after his season with Chard.”
Other than the losing batter Billy Reed to Exmouth, where he has moved to live, Kilmington have retained the same group of players that finished second behind promoted Exeter.
The new overseas player in the dressing room is Australian Joel Whelan, who is 21 and from Western Australia.
Wheelan – a leg-spinner who bats as well – plays for Claremont Nedlands CC in the WA Premier Comp. He broke into the club’s First Grade team towards the end of the season just ended.
Said Garner: “I'm sure Joel will prove to be a very good player, help us to develop further over the season and (hopefully) take the club forward again and keep us competitive at the top of the table.”
Kilmington have solved their lack of a youth section that satisfies ECB rules for prospective Premier Division clubs thanks to a collaborative effort with other clubs in the area.
Under-11 and under-17 teams will operate from Kilmington’s own ground. The under-12s will be centred on Chardstock and there will be under-14 and under-15 matches at nearby Axminster.
The under-17 side, being run by Luke Reed and Eddie Clarke, will be linked to Kilmington’s 2ndXI.
Garner said a huge amount of effort had gone into getting youth cricket organised in the area, for which numerous people deserve a pat on the back.
"Luke Reed and Eddie Clarke (Kilmington), Robert Hutchings (Chardstock) and Mark Burrough (Axminster) all deserve a big mention," said Garner.
“There are many others involved and we would like to put our thanks out to them for the massive amount of hard work and dedication that has gone in to getting four y9uth teams going.”
