Sidmouth will be mounting an all-out effort to win the Premier Division title after surrendering it to Torquay last season.

New skipper Luke Bess – he has taken over from long-serving Will Murray – hasn’t limited his pre-season to wait-and-see type comments.

Bess wants to regain the title Murray won five times in six seasons, although he has plenty of respect for the competition.

“We take our cricket seriously at Sidmouth and go out trying to win every game,” said Bess.

“Yes, we want to win the title again, but to do that we need to have a good first half of the season.

“There is going to be a different look to the side this year as some of the old faithfuls have moved on or won’t be available until mid-season.

“Nick Gingell is playing golf, Liam Lewis won’t be around until halfway and my brother Josh isn’t due back from Australia until early June.

“We have lost Pete Randerson to Heathcoat, and Dan Powell, who would have kept wicket, is playing rugby for Devon for the first few weeks of the season. Fortunately, we have Matt Hewer to keep.

“The first half of the season is an opportunity for players to come in and make a name for themselves, players who haven’t always had a chance because we have been so strong for so long.

“It has been good to see the Gaters playing again – particularly Henry, who took a hundred off a good Exeter side last Saturday.”

Sidmouth, who will parade new overseas signing Kyle Brockley, an Australian quick bowler, this season, are away to North Devon in their opening game