WERRINGTON have signed bowling all-rounder Jason Seldon from Division Three East outfit Tintagel ahead of the upcoming Bond Timber Cornwall Cricket League campaign.

The former Tintagel skipper, who has spent his entire adult career at Butts Field, has made the move to Ladycross with designs of pushing himself into the second team, who are about to embark on a fifth consecutive season in County Division One.

Seldon, 29, who predominantly opens the bowling with an ability to move the ball sharply back in, has taken over 340 wickets in the last 15 seasons, and is a more than handy batsman. In 2019 he took 37 league wickets at under four an over, while he averaged 25 with the bat, including 116 against St Neot.

Explaining the move, Seldon said: “After having one of my best seasons in a long time, having the opportunity to play at a higher standard was too much of a draw to ignore. I know lots of people at Werrington, especially in the first team, so the chance to train with them was also a big pull.

“I love playing for Tintagel and if things don’t work out then I’d hope they would have me back, but I just feel at my age that it’s a great chance to play higher and one that I would hope to grasp given the opportunity, as I know my game well enough now to know that I can contribute with both bat and ball. Also the training I’ll be doing will help with those areas.”

Seldon also praised his hometown club, and expects to return one day.

He said: “They are a great club with great people that will keep the club going on and off the field. I have played there since I was 14 and I’m sure I’ll play there again in the future. I will always look to see how they’re doing and keep in contact with them all as I have good friends there.”

Werrington first team skipper Paul Smith is delighted with the signing and believes Seldon’s potential and consistency could see him flourish.

He said: “Jason is a fantastic signing for us. As club captain I skipper the first team on the field, but off the field I want to make the whole club as strong as it can be. Jason comes with a proven track record in Division Three East, which is obviously ideal for the thirds playing in that league.

“The thing that impressed me the most about Jason is his attitude; he has a real drive and hunger to play as good a standard as possible. I firmly believe his cricketing ability accompanied by his attitude will see him play several games in County One and possibly push for a Premier League cap. It’s the sort of mentality we want right throughout the club, which in turn will improve all four teams.”

Elsewhere, Werrington firsts have organised a friendly against Heathcoat for April 11.

The four-time ECB Cornwall Premier League champions will travel to Knightshayes to take on the ECB Devon Premier League title holders in preparation for the Tribute T20 Kernow Crash opener at Callington a week later.

Smith added: “Every year we try our best to organise at least one friendly against a Devon Premier League side if we can. Usually it’s Sidmouth, however they were unavailable this year, so we sent some feelers out and Heathcoat got back to us. They were champions last year so it’ll certainly be a decent test, and it’s also somewhere new for the lads to play, which is nice, as we haven’t met them in any competitions recently.”

Although it’s to be seen whether a full-strength side will travel to East Devon, Smith admits it’s an opportunity.

He said: “With friendlies it’s always hard to play with 100% motivation, however we will be looking to win as that feeling is somewhat infectious heading into the season.

“Availability wise usually we don’t go into a pre-season friendly with a full-strength side, but we will go with the best team possible. It’s a good chance to give everyone a go, but also a chance to earn or cement a place for the competitive fixtures for the following week.”