THERE should be plenty of crash-bang-wallop cricket at Budleigh Salterton on Sunday when the East Devon T20 play-offs take place.
Exmouth face Seaton in the first semi-final with a planned start at 10.30am.
Gary Chappell, who captains Exmouth in short-form cricket, said the four-division gap between his side and Seaton means little in t20 cricket.
‘We have a very long batting lineup with plenty of powerful players but that means nothing unless we play smart good cricket.
‘We won't be taking Seaton lightly as anything can happen in t20 as we've seen so often in the past from watching from the outside and playing in such games,’ said Chappell.
‘A game can change in the matter of a few overs.
‘It will be a tough day but we're confident of succeeding and are looking forward to the day which promises to be a great spectacle on a good wicket.’
Seaton skipper Ben Morgan had some last-minute selection decisions to make as he has been hit by Sunday unavailability.
The second semi-final is at 1.30pm when Sidmouth take on Bradninch.
Sidmouth will start as favourites, but not by that much according to skipper Will Murray.
Bradninch have an eclectic mix of players – Hardy, Piper and Ross Acton are all dangerous in any form of cricket – and they will be going all out to beat us,’ said Murray.
Opposite number Dan Hardy said he wasn’t sure his side is eclectic, but confirmed they will be up for it.
‘We are a young team all really looking forward to the challenge,’ said Hardy.
‘We won a great game with Exeter to get to the finals – and we will be going for it.’
The winning semi-finalists meet at 4.30pm for a place in next month’s county final at Exmouth.
Exmouth won last season’s county competition, sponsored by Servicemaster Clean, and went on to reach the last eight nationally of the NatWestT20 tournament.
Budleigh are pulling out all the stops to make the day a success, with round-the-clock bar and catering.
Bacon butties will be on sale until 11.30am.
The lunch menu is fish, chips and peas, burgers, hot dogs or pork baps.
There will be tea and cake at teatime.
Budleigh have brought in a disc jockey to provide a soundtrack to the action.