Devon Cricket Board - Brixham start planning for life after promotion

Brixham start planning for life after promotion

BRIXHAM chairman Barry Orchard said team strengthening will be top of the agenda if the club are promoted to the Premier Division at the end of the season.
Last Saturday’s 159-run win at lowly Lewdown, set up by an Andy Pugh century, keeps Brixham three points clear of Cornwood at the top of the table.
Budleigh Salterton in third are 31 points behind and look like spent force in the promotion race. Within two weeks it could all be over if Brixham keep winning.
Brixham have benefited hugely from South African professional Matt McGillivray this season – mostly with the bat but also with the ball.
If the Gauteng star isn’t available next season he will need replacing – and if he is Orchard thinks he may need some help.
“It is always dangerous to get too far ahead of yourself, but in two weeks we could be just about there if we beat Budleigh,” said Orchard.
“It is a long time (1993) since we were last in the Premier Division and a lot has changed since then.
“What hasn’t changed is the teams who go up find it a huge step and don’t always make it.
“Plympton and Paignton went up last year and are in the bottom two right now.
“The last time we were in the Premier the rules were different. You could have two or three overseas players and we had our share.
“Not any longer and we have to be prepared for that.
“Matt has been great for us this season and we would love to have him back. If we can’t we need someone of his ability.
“Plenty of our players will cope with the step up without too many problems.
“But we will need to bring in one or two players to strengthen. We may follow the example set by Torquay, who have had Max Waller down from Somerset when they can to give them a lift.”
Brixham didn’t start too well against Lewdown and were 13 for three when Mark Orchard went out to join Pugh.
McGillivray, who took a ton off Barton seven days earlier, was already out for duck.
A stand of 152 for the fourth wicket between Pugh and Mark Orchard – a Premier Division winner with Exmouth in 2013 – got Brixham going again.
Orchard eventually went for 78, but the runs kept coming with Craig Eaves (53no) tagging along with Pugh.
Pugh was finally out for 103 in a total of 286 for five.
Lewdown were all out for 117 in reply – Johann Wessells (31) and Mark Jordan (30) the main run scorers.
Lee Upham bagged four for 28,. McGillivray had three for 13 from eight overs and Stuart Edgar (2-0) mopped up the remnants.
Brixham are at home to form side Bradninch this Saturday.

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