ILFRACOMBE TOWN will not be caught out by the cricketing commitments of two key players.

Mike Hedden and Neil Bettiss will miss the first three Saturdays of the football season as they concentrate on North Devon's attempt to win the Francis Clark Devon Cricket League.

While the footballers are in Radstock on Saturday afternoon for their opening Toolstation Western League match, batsmen Bettiss and Hedden, who captains both teams, will be in the more pleasant surroundings of the Sandhills ground in Instow, taking on the Paignton bowling attack.

Barry Yeo, the Ilfracombe manager, said: "We knew in December when Mike took on the cricket captaincy and we have no problem with it. It is something we have planned for.

"Four or five of us went to watch them on Saturday (in the win over Braunton) and we wish them the best. Hopefully they will be back with us in September having won the league."

Bettiss, a centre-back, and Hedden, who plays in midfield, will be available for Tuesday evening's match against Wellington.