Ottery St Mary skipper Jody Clements was remaining very upbeat despite his side’s humbling in their opening game of a new Francis Clark Devon League C Division cricket season, writes Stephen Birley.

The Otters were skittled out for just 27 to lose at Bideford by 201 runs.

Clements said: “We did travel under-strength, but still has enough in our side to have done better. Sadly we did under perform, but there were positives to take fro the game. A big one was how we bowled and fielded to restrict them on an excellent batting surface.”

Tomorrow (Saturday) Ottery launch their home campaign with an East Devon derby against an Axminster side who were in the B Division last season that won their opener at a canter beating Clyst St George by 189 runs.

Clements says of the Axminster game: “It should be a good game. They would appear to have a good batting side and I am hopeful that two or threw hoi were unavailable last Saturday will be able to play in this one.”

One player certainly coming back who missed the North Devon humbling Mark Woodman.

As for the Ottery skipper’s expectations of the season, Clements says: “I am looking for us to consolidate this year. We have worked hard to get up to this level and don’t want to be battling to avoid slipping out of it. I am confident that when we are able to field a side based on full availability we can be a match for anyone in the division.”