North Devon Cricket Club Player Profiles

Robert Ayre	An estate agent from North Molton, Rob is 1st XI captain, middle order batsman and wicket keeper. He has been in the side for several years now with numerous match winning contributions. In his youth he represented Devon as an all-rounder but that was many many years ago. At 36 he is the oldest fellow in the side and is delighted that there are some in this side that look considerably older than him!

Martin Gear	A local farmer, Martin is a middle order batsman and opening bowler. His previous cricketing record makes good reading with several games for Devon and a stint with Somerset 2nd XI. However, now he is the wrong side of 30 he is losing his pace and gaining round the waist so will be very happy that we are not playing the usual 55 overs per side!

Robert Gear	A renewable energy consultant from Exeter, Rob is an attacking opening batsman and off break bowler. Over the past couple of seasons he has represented Devon for his batting and consistently dominated opening bowlers from all parts of the county including an innings of 185 not out at Tavistock in 2005. All fielders on the leg side will be in play as will be trying to hit all bowlers through cow corner and some beyond!

Matt Dart	Matt is a slow left arm bowler and tail-end batsman. Over the past couple of seasons his bowling has improved greatly and he is now the first choice spinner in the club. With his aggressive appealing (and temper) he will be keeping the umpires busy although all spectators are in danger when Matt is bowling!

Tom Allin	A student (to be) from Bideford, Tom is an opening bowler and middle order batsman. He joined us at the start of last season from Bideford and his express pace has earned in a place in the Devon side this season. Tom spent last winter in Australia topping up his tan (and cricket) and will shortly be studying sports coaching at University in Wales.

Matt Westaway	A local builder, Matt is a middle order batsman and (slow) swing bowler. He joined us at the start of last year from Barnstaple and played a key role in our promotion last year. His lethargic run up indicative often deceives the batsman into thinking he is more than twice his real age of 26. He aspires to field like his role model Monty Panesar and would also like to be able to bowl that quickly too!

Mike Heddon	A welder from Bideford, Mike is a middle order batsman and excellent fielder. Over the past few seasons his successful local football career has taken priority over cricket but this year he has been able to play a few more games and play some classy innings at number 4. A few recent injuries have indicated he is reaching the end of his career so he must be making the most of every game he can play in!

Richard Screech	A scientist from Barnstaple, Richard is middle order batsman and occasional off-spinner. He can provide the extra impetus (and weight) required to up the run rate and as such an attacking player, he aims to dominate all bowling. Surely he will have to respect the bowling he faces today. Not likely. He is a true pub athlete and is a threat to all beer tent occupants.

Neil Bettis	A builder from Torrington, Neil is a top order batsman and occasional seemer. He joined us from Sandford this season and has already made a difference to the team with a century against Chudleigh. A regular in the Devon side for a few years now for his batting, Neil is also a very talented footballer.

Stuart Rhodes	The overseas player, Stuart is an opening batsman and multi-talented bowler. Originating from the Blue Mountains near Sydney, and at only 20 years old, he has played for New South Wales at youth level and hopes to continue this into the senior sides. His part time job as assistant groundsman must be voluntary work as he can often be found in the Boathouse exchanging tales from home for a pint of lager!

Warren Miller	A sales executive from Witheridge, Warren is a middle order batsman and excellent fielder. Originally from South Africa, although not classed as an overseas player anymore,he has played at North Devon for several seasons now. Even at 32 he still throws himself around in the field and will be heard all day around the ground telling tales from his youth when rumour has it he played youth cricket with Jacques Kallis.

Ross Burbidge	A replenishment officer from Barnstaple, Ross is a middle order batsman and occasional seemer. He joined us from Barnstaple at the start of this season and has enjoyed his time in the top flight so far. His solid technique can frustrate opposition bowlers and his extra reach means he is definitely one to watch in the field. At 7 foot tall he can easily be identified at any point in the North Devon area.