SOUTH Petherwin Cricket Club first team captain Jacob Masters admits the club didn’t feel they’d be ‘competitive in every game’ after declining the opportunity to take promotion into Division Two East of the Bond Timber Cornwall Cricket League.

The Kennards House outfit finished third last season, and due to the demotions of Troon and Rosudgeon in County Division One, which meant Launceston and St Austell Seconds were given reprieves, Petherwin were offered the chance to play third-tier cricket once more following a four-year spell there from 2014-2017.

Masters (pictured right) admits strength in depth was an issue, with Saltash Town, who finished second bottom, being allowed to survive.

Masters said: “Some really wanted to, some really didn’t want to. I think in the end it was mainly due to the fact that in both seasons back in Division Three, there’s always been a big gap between us and the top two. We didn’t feel confident we’d be able to compete in each and every game.

“Also playing in Division Three gives us a chance to give younger players more opportunities.

The fact that our seconds wanted to be promoted, which they’ve now got, from a club point of view, not just the first team, we’ve got to be able to balance both sides to ensure they’re both competitive.”

Despite finishing fifth in Division Five East last term, the seconds were offered the chance for promotion after Newquay Thirds declined, one which they were happy to accept.

“Hopefully the seconds’ promotion will give the younger players a chance to prove themselves at a slightly higher standard which will then put them in better stead for if and when they get called up to the first team.

“Three years ago the two teams were in Division Two and Division Six, which meant that when seconds had to come up, there was a too big a jump to expect anyone to make a real difference. The second team’s target will be to stay up and the firsts’ will be another top four finish and to compete in every game.”

Masters will have to do without promising teenage batsman Taylor Gerry, who has left the club to join Werrington.

The 15-year-old scored 411 league runs from 15 innings last term with a top score of 86 against Roche Seconds.

Masters said: “It’s a good opportunity for him to push himself at a higher level and it’ll also help him cause in getting the Cornwall selectors to select him for the county under 17 and 18 squads. Everyone wishes him well.

“We’re hoping to get in a top-order batsman to replace Taylor, but other than that we’re looking to keep everybody else at the club.”

South Petherwin would also like to arrange a pre-season friendly.

If your club are interested, email Jacob at [email protected]