IF the roadmap has been followed successfully then from next Monday the sound of bat on ball will probably be heard coming from the nets at Sandford Cricket Club.

Outdoor activities can restart and there’s not much time to prepare as the first competitive match will be only 12 days away.

Following the success of cricket in 2020 under strict Covid guidelines the 2021 season will start in exactly the same way.

This will mean that the Sandford pavilion will only be accessible for the toilets and the bar!

The players will again be seated outside and there will be no teas provided.

If further restrictions are eased on June 21 then there could be changes to the second half of the season with regard to social distancing but it is hoped that a full season can be offered to all types of cricket throughout the Club.

Richard Foan remains captain of the Devon League First XI and he has been busy recruiting during the winter months.

If there are no changes to Covid restrictions then Jonathan Campbell will be flying over from Zimbabwe. Jonathan plays First Class cricket for Rangers and is a batsman who also bowls some leg-spin.

His father, Alistair, played 60 tests for Zimbabwe.

Jonathan is a level two coach and these credentials along with his enthusiasm for the game will benefit the massive junior section associated with the Club.

Also joining Sandford are ex-Devon seamer Josh King, who has made the move from North Devon and former MCC young cricketer Richard Hopwood and Devon youth batter Lawrence Walker.

Richard says: "We have brought some real quality into the Club to add to some very good players we already have and we are all excited for the season to start. Everyone is available from last summer so there will be plenty of competition for places."

Shaun Hawkins has stepped down as Captain of the Devon League Second XI and he has been replaced by Pete Steer.

Matt Theedom continues in his role as the Third XI Captain.

In addition to the three Saturday sides there is a Sunday XI that will be playing in Division Two of the North Devon League, the Ladies XI and many junior sides playing early evenings or Sunday mornings.

Add to this the Friday evening Kwik Cricket sessions, the Tuesday evenings Community League, and the possibility of a three-day County fixture for Devon, and all can see that if the weather stays fine there will be plenty of reasons to make that visit to Creedy Park.

Just so you can put some dates in the diary the April fixtures are as follows:

10 - First XI v Bradninch Friendly. 1pm

11 - First XI v Bideford. North Devon League. 1.30pm

17 - First XI v Exeter University Friendly. 1pm

24 - First XI v Second XI Friendly. 1pm

25 - First XI v Filleigh. North Devon League. 1.30pm.

Mike Canning