BUDE first team captain Warren Rumble expects 2026 to be an ‘exciting summer’ as they look to bounce back from a tough campaign.

The Crooklets-based outfit sleepwalked their way into a relegation battle in Division Two East of the Cornwall Cricket League and would have been relegated if it wasn’t for St Minver’s inability to take the final wicket against Luckett on the final day of the season.

It meant Bude survived on a head-to-head record with St Minver who they beat on the opening day; and hopes are high that more consistency in selection will ensure the final weeks of the season can be enjoyed with no relegation worries.

Looking back on last summer, Rumble said: “Last season started well, even at halfway we were looking good. But once the summer holidays hit our availability got a bit shaken up and we were going into games with two or three players missing, and that really did hurt us.”

However, the signs are promising that they should do better, although a league which looks even stronger on paper means every game will be a big challenge as they take on four Premier League clubs’ second teams as well as last year’s winners St Blazey, much-fancied Lanhydrock and Holsworthy, plus newly-promoted outfits Menheniot-Looe and Tintagel.

With Australian left-armer Brett Hunter having departed the club – for now at least – 20-year-old New Zealander Charlie Hoban has been given the tough task of replacing Hunter who was arguably the best bowler in the division when fully fit.

Hoban is a batting all-rounder from Christchurch who bowls off-spin, while another recruit is left-handed opening batsman Dylan Grinker.

Everybody else remains – but with a lack of pace bowling in the ranks, big runs will be required.

Rumble feels wins are to be had, but knows they will need to be consistent.

He said: “Our new overseas player Charlie is making a great impression so far. And he’s also fitting into the group so well which is really important for us. We’ve also signed South African Dylan, who holds a British passport and previously played for Lanhydrock in the league above. He’s been looking very tidy in the nets.

“Our strongest 11 for the first team looks really strong, so hopefully we can keep availability high throughout the season and get some positive results going. It would be nice to finish up without any pressure so a mid-table finish in which looks like a really competitive league would be ideal. Every team looks fairly good on paper so we’re really looking forward to getting started!

“As for the second team, they will look to try and get promoted from Division Six as we’d like to close the gap between the two teams.”

While on-field matters are important, so is boosting numbers across the club.

Rumble concluded: “During the off season there’s been some really exciting developments within the club, with all junior teams and a full season of ladies cricket about to start.

“There’s also been plenty of things done around the club with new barbecues, storage facilities and new covers purchased. We also held our first very well-attended quiz night, which is something we will be looking to do again during the season. It’s promising to be an exciting summer for the club.”

Bude visit neighbours Holsworthy on Saturday (1pm) with the seconds hosting Grampound Road Thirds at the same time.