Devon Cricket Board - Premier Division: Top two clash at Bovey Tracey

Premier Division: Top two clash at Bovey Tracey

BOVEY Tracey captain Peter Bradley has played down the significance of tomorrow’s top-of-the-table clash against Exmouth at the Recreation Ground.
Bradley’s men are the new leaders of the Premier Division after beating Budleigh Salterton last Saturday. Former table-toppers and defending champions Sidmouth slipped up at Exeter and dropped to third.
Exmouth are just three points behind Bovey in second spot – and demolishing sides for fun this season.
Bradley doesn’t want to lose, but said winning won’t change much at the top.
“I don’t like being top at this stage of the season anyway – it is where you are with two or three weeks to go that matters,” said Bradley.
“We have to play Exmouth again on with three weeks to go and that is the game which will be the big one, at least I hope we will still be up there then.
“If we win that’s great as it will give us a bit of room. If we don’t it isn’t the end of the world with 10 games to play.
“Just because we beat Exmouth that doesn’t affect Sidmouth, who are also breathing down our necks.
“We play them next week and if we lost both games that would be a bit of a blow.”
Exmouth’s strength is a Minor County standard top half of the batting order, with Devon fast bowler Trevor Anning to come in next. He knows which way round to hold a bat.
Exmouth seem to be devastating on the chase – just ask Plymouth after last Saturday’s nine-wicket mauling – but Bradley would like to play attacking cricket if he can.
“Exmouth are a top side batting and bowling and when you look down their teamsheet you can only admire their strength in depth,” said Bradley.
“What we have is a long batting line-up and I that could be key for us.
“If we can contain them and build pressure in the field I think we have a chance.”
TORQUAY are at home to Budleigh Salterton in a game they cannot afford to lose.
Budleigh are the team immediately below Torquay and a win at the Rec will move them out of the bottom two at Torquay’s expense.
At least Torquay have a win under their belts, which is more than Budleigh.
Matt Thompson, Torquay’s vice-captain, said Budleigh have to be sent home empty handed.
“Players must start putting their hands up and be prepared to put their bodies on the line for us to win against a Budleigh side who have three or for more than capable players,” said Thompson.

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