IPPLEPEN’S new captain Matt Beasant believes his new-look squad can steer clear of the relegation worries that plagued team last season.
Ipplepen had an eventful start to the 2023 season which saw them winless after six games and looking for a new captain following the departure of Neil Hancock, who subsequently re-joined Paignton.
Mawgan Penrice stepped-in as captain and an immediate three-game winning streak started to turn things round. Second-half wins over Bovey Tracey, Chudleigh and Barton – all above Pens in the table – were enough to preserve B Division status for another season.
Pens finished two places and 11 points clear of the relegation places, which was a little too close for comfort as far as Beasant is concerned.
“After making a few good additions to the first-team squad, I would like to see us pushing for the top half of the table,” said Beasant.
Penrice has chosen not to carry on as captain, but remains part of Beasant’s team plans as a top-order batsman.
Beasant’s plans also incorporate new faces the Stanley brothers – Callum and Reuben – and their former Torquay team-mate Joe Parker.
“Callum Stanley will add some stability with the bat as well as bowling useful overs,” said Beasant.
“Reuben Stanley will be a great addition to the middle order, as well as being a handy bowler or wicketkeeper, depending on availability.
“Joe Parker’s availability might be limited, but will be great to have him and his family around the club.”
Hugo Denman – all 6ft 6ins of him – has arrived from Chagford and is seen as a strike bowler in the making.
Ipplepen’s overseas player is all-rounder Nate Forde from Barbados, who will bat in the top order and double as a front-line bowler.
“Having only arrived a couple of days ago, Nate has gelled-in really well, despite constantly moaning about how cold it is,” said Beasant.
Big-hitting Sam Wakeham will be back from a winter playing in Australia in time for the start of the DCL season in May.
“Hopefully, he will bring some form back with him,” said Beasant.
The season starts this Saturday when Teignmouth & Shaldon visit Moor Lane.
Ipplepen’s big success story during the close season has been hanging on to the next generation of young players who have worked their way into the first team.
“George Tapley, Noah Rider, Freddie Harvey and Toby Holroyd have had a winter of being asked to join clubs playing in the higher divisions, but I am delighted to say they have all decided to stay,” said Beasant.
“This speaks volumes for our junior set-up. Not only are the lads good enough to be pestered to play a higher standard, but they are loyal to each other and want to play together, win together and to help bring on the next crop of juniors.”
