SKIPPER Peter Hoare put his new-look Herefordshire Over 50s team through their paces in a three-match tour to Devon.

Herefordshire played matches against Devon Over 50s, a Devon Seniors XI and club side Braunton CC.

Team spokesman Kevin Smith said. “We recruited heavily during the winter months and decided to play a few games in Devon as a means of looking at the new players as we integrate them into the team for the new season.

“We were thrilled by the response and we took a party of 17 to Barnstaple, where we were treated magnificently at all venues.”

He added: “Traditionally, on account of our rural nature, we have perennially struggled against the larger populated urban counties who are able to call upon a much greater pool of players, but over the winter months, Peter Hoare, the new captain, has recruited new members from within the county.”