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Posted:
Sunday 8th March 2009
Source: Stephen Birley
Sandford's new skipper Adrian Small has said that the loss of
Richard Foan to us here at Kensham Park is a huge blow to his
side’s hopes this coming season. The Creedy Park captain says of
the departures of Trevor Anning and David Lye to Exmouth and
Richard to us:
“We will miss all the players who have left and Richard Foan in
particular.”
said Small, who has captaincy experience with Exmouth.
“Richard was guaranteed to make 500 league runs a season, took
valuable wickets with his left-arm spin and snapped up anything
that went near him in the slips. Trevor and David were never
consistent performers in the league the way Richard was, but
were established Minor Counties’ players and it is a shame to
lose them. The trouble with having big-name players in the side
is that it can be over-awing for young players trying to make
their way in the game. Now is the chance for players like Shane
Evenden and Simon Ashplant to come out off the shadows and stake
their claims. Sandford has a strong tradition of supplying
players for Devon's Minor Counties side and within a year or two
our next generation will be pressing for places.”
Small said he couldn't see Sandford challenging for the Premier
title this year, but he scotched speculation that the departures
has left his side relegation candidates either.
“Although we have lost a few I like to think there is sufficient
quality in the side to get through,” said Small.
“We won't win it, but I don't expect us to be in a relegation
battle either.”
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