Devon Cricket Board - B Division could not be closer say skippers

B Division could not be closer say skippers

IT couldn’t be much tighter in the B Division where two wins could transform the position of any club.
The only constant in the division this season is the lack of consistency being shown by all the teams on a weekly basis.
Last Saturday the top four all lost –and bottom side Thorverton defeated leaders Shobrooke Park by a distance.
It’s cricket’s oldest cliché that anyone can beat anyone – and it has more than a ring of truth about it,
Paul Miller, the Axminster captain who masterminded the win over Ipplepen last time out, believes any side can shoot up the table fast.
“We know it's going to be tough for the second half of the season, but if we can keep playing like last week we are confident we can get out of trouble,” said Miller, whose men face Thorverton tomorrow.
“We look at the table and think, if we can string two or three wins together we will be pushing for promotion.
With only 39 points covering the whole division, I bet all the skippers are thinking the same thing.”
Dave Murnane has gone back to London (work). Gary Larcombe on holiday in Cornwall, Danny Larcombe has work commitments but those two didn't play last week,
Max Felgate drops down to the 2nd XI and in comes Nick Taylor (Glastonbury) and Dan Fuzzard, who has recovered for a groin injury.
South Devon – another of the top-four losers – face Chudleigh at Marsh Road.
Skipper Jon Martin must have been reading Miller’s mail, as he said: “With the league being as tight as it is one poor result doesn't make to much difference as last week showed.
“We are still in a good position at halfway but we need to get back to winning ways,”
Seamers Dan Ball and Cameron Fogden come in for Joe Kitto and Emily Martin.
Chudleigh were spanked by Plymstock, who were eight-wicket winners at Kate Brook.
Skipper Ed Foreman won’t be playing at South Devon, but has a perfectly valid view on the season so far.
“We are good enough to win, it's just consistency that's stopping us from being a top-of-the-table side,” said Foreman.
“We turn up some weeks, then for only half a game other weeks.
“We didn't turn up at all last week!
“South Devon will not lose another game in the fashion they did last week, but neither will we.
“Both sides will be looking to put a lot right and it should be a tense but good game.
“I hope the boys go well in my absence and get a result.”
Braunton, who crushed South Devon by 163 runs, are due to visit Ipplepen.
Skipper Ian Roberts was in gloomy mood ahead of the trip, saying: “We are missing five players and struggling to get a side together.”
Ipplepen took a nine-wicket caning last time out having been skittled for 66, which may turn out to be a blessing in disguise.
“This team has only dropped half a dozen batting points in the last two seasons but they need to take responsibility and one of the top four needs to bat 30 overs” said skipper Keith Wakeham.
“You can lose some focus with a long batting line up as someone else will do it.”
Pens will have the same team but batting in a tweaked order.
Plymstock make one forced change against Abbotskerswell as in-form batsman Seb Jordan out with a troubled knee injury.
The return of bowling all-rounder David Orchard is more than adequate compensation
Skipper Scott Mansfield is another captain who sees a wide-open second half stretching ahead.
“Nine games to go and everything is still to play for,” said Mansfield.
“A league table to date that still gives each team a chance of promotion, and in turn the possibility of relegation.
“So far we've only had the one game postponed, this being the first game at Abbots.
“This week we hope for more fortune with the weather and we expect a tough game against a good, young side.
“We go into the game with plenty of confidence with two good wins against Axminster and Chudleigh.

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