Exeter skipper McCabe targets the title on eve of new cricket season

EXETER’S new captain Clint McCabe has more than one target for the Tolchards Devon County League season ahead, which gets going against Sandford at Creedy Park.

- by CONRAD SUTCLIFFE

In common with almost every other skipper in the top flight of Devon cricket. McCabe's goal is: “To win the league”

But there is more depth to McCabe’s thoughts, which won’t come as a surprise from a player with a background in the tough environment that is the Surrey Championship.

“I am excited to lead a talented young team which, in my view, can win the Premier Division,’ said McCabe, who joined Exeter in 2023.

“Our goal is to win the league, of course, but developing this young team to achieve big things over the medium term is most important.

“There are many too many young players to mention individually, but there are half a dozen who will all make meaningful contributions”

McCabe, who previously skipped Old Wimbledonians before moving to Devon, has inherited the bulk of the squad former captain Joe Gore steered to third place last season.

New faces include former Sidmouth pair Tom Simmons and George Addy, both of whom will complement the bowling attack.

“Tom and George give us consistency and in Tom’s case a wicket-taking option at the start of the innings,’ said McCabe.

Exeter's overseas player for 2025 is New Zealander Sam Mycock, a batter who hails from Wellington.

Mycock, 24, made his First-Class debt for Wellington during the season that's just ended. His total of 289 runs included taking two half-centuries off Canterbury and a third against Otago.

Exmouth embark on a new era on the Maer Ground in more ways than one when Premier new boys Plymouth pay a visit on Saturday.