Johnson staying says Bexhill boss

The talented 19-year-old would doubtless have attracted the attention of other clubs following Bexhill's demotion from the Premier Division of the Sussex League.

But first team manager Hamish Russell says that Johnson, who has been a Bexhill player since before he even became a teenager, won't be leaving The Polegrove.

Russell said: "Other clubs have asked him to go '“ not just this season but seasons before '“ but we're ever so pleased he's got that desire to stay with the club."

Johnson was the fourth highest scorer in the division with 574 runs from 17 innings at an average of 33.76. He hit three fifties and two hundreds.

"That's a big plus if Malcolm stays around, it gives everybody a boost," continued Russell. "We will always do the best for him in whatever way we can."

The left-handed opener will next week head out to Australia for the winter to further his cricketing education with former Bexhill player Shaun Austin in Queensland.

Russell added: "Sussex have told him he will play in the academy and development XI next year. They're more than happy to see him stay at Bexhill."

Johnson's presence may well help Bexhill keep hold of other players too and Russell is "pretty confident that we will certainly keep the majority of our squad together".

But as well as Richard May emigrating to Australia, Bexhill expect to lose a second wicketkeeper/batsman in Jez Reid, who has just completed his first season at the club.

"He's changed his job, he's working as a sports teacher at a private school in Tonbridge so he's going to go back and play for Battle when he can," Russell said. "He's been a good player for us and a really good guy to have around the dressing room."