The champions of Devon cricket will have to repeat the trick next season without the services of their star performer.

Indian all-rounder Dikshanshu Negi was imperious for Sandford in 2023, scoring more runs (810) than any other batsman in league and cup games and taking more wickets (43) than the rest.

Negi was an absolute credit to Sandford and the Tolchards Devon Cricket League, but he is now accepted a new challenge with Royston CC in the Greater Manchester Cricket League.

Sandford skipper Jackson Thompson told the DCL website: “It was never a done deal that Dikshu would be staying and he goes with our blessings.

“Something Dikshu wants to do is experience different levels of cricket and see other parts of the country. He was offered a very good deal by Sandford, but the lure of playing in a different part of the country trumped it.”