AFTER suffering three successive relegations in the Tolchards Devon Cricket League, the only way is up next summer for Dartington & Totnes, writes Conrad Sutcliffe.

An alarming slide down the league ladder has taken D&T from the B to the E Division West in successive seasons.

Mick Rusling, the D&T chairman, said the most recent relegation was hard to endure.

“We were disappointed to get relegated last season and I think we would have stayed up but for injuries to key players,” said Rusling.

“One of them was our previous captain, Joe Martin. He was badly missed but, hopefully, he will be fully fit next season.”

Alistair Selby has agreed to lead the side in 2025. He will take over from Aussie batter Jono Lloyd who, with 588 league runs, was the team’s leading scorer.

“We are hoping Jono will be returning as our overseas player,” said Rusling.

Another batter who prospered in an otherwise disappointing season was veteran Justin Osborne, whose 526 league runs included tonnes against Barton, Kenn and Plymouth CS&R. He also bagged 15 wickets – five of them against Kenn.

“Justin had his best-ever season with three centuries and we’re hoping for more of the same from him,” said Rusling.

Dartington & Totnes have been relegated alongside Abbotskerswell 2nd XI and the pair will be joining the likes of Tavistock 2nd XI and Teignmouth & Shaldon 2nd XI in the E Division West, those two having finished mid-table last year.