Devon Cricket Board - Newman back for Budleigh Salterton against Hatherleigh

Newman back for Budleigh Salterton against Hatherleigh

FORMER Devon bowler Rob Newman returns to the Budleigh side this week as the A Division promotion race heats up.
Brixham have the look of champions-elect about them – they are 21 points clear at the top – but the scrap behind them is intriguing.
Cornwood are currently second on 189 points followed by Budleigh 179 and form side Bradninch on 173.
The run-ins seem to favour Budleigh as they don’t have to play any of the teams in the mix in the last five matches.
Cornwood have to play Bradninch and Brixham on the last two Saturdays of the season while Bradninch have Brixham this Saturday.
Budleigh’s run-in starts this Saturday when they go to Hatherleigh. They are fresh from beating Barton by 44 runs to end a two-game losing streak.
“There wasn’t a lot between the sides, but we managed to find a way to make runs when needed and take wickets when we needed on better than them,” said skipper Joel Murphy.
“Perhaps Barton let us off the hook at the end, but that isn’t our problem.
“When they batted we kept Tom Drake quiet – he looked a class apart from anything ele they had – and Barton just ran out of batters eventually.
“I said before every game is cup final for us now – and we really need to keep winning.
“Having Rob Newman available for the next few matches is great news as he is potential match-winner.”
Ben Phillips (45) and Cehpas Zhuwao (42) got Budleigh’s early runs then Murphy (11), Dan Messon (14), James Leat (25no) and Sam Fereday (10) turned 170 for six into 232 for nine.
Drake top scored for Barton with 61 and Mark Gilmour chipped in with 41. They put on 70 for the third wicket.
Leat finished with three for 61, knocking over the tail in the process, but the real damage was done by Andy Procter (2-23), Murphy (2-25) and Zhuwao (2-31).
The priority for Hatherleigh skipper Mark Lake is relegation – and how to avoid it.
“I feel we need one win and to pick-up decent points from other games to ensure safety,” said Lake.
“I want that win as soon possible and I'm sure it will come soon.
“Batsman who get in have to kick on. We had too many getting to 30 and getting out.”
He added: “Budleigh were a good side at our place so I know it will a tough game.”
Andy Bennett drops out for Andy Collier. Sean Letheren replaces Charlie Nielsen.
BRADNINCH take their unbeaten run to Brixham on Saturday in the A Division match of the day.
Brixham, 21 points clear at the top, are going to take some stopping, but Bradninch have every reason to fancy their chances.
Dan Hardy’s side has won five games on the spin in the division, most recently a 114-run victory over local rivals Sandford.
It doesn’t get any easier for Sandford this Saturday as they are at home to second-placed Cornwood.
Off-spinner and middle-order batter Gary Abdoll comes in for the holidaying Adrian Small.

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