Devon Cricket Board - Tight at the top of the A Division

Tight at the top of the A Division

A DIVISION leaders Plympton are away to Brixham well aware the chasing clubs are right behind them.
In what is the closest promotion race for years, only seven points separate leaders Plympton from Paignton (2nd), Budleigh (3rd) and Bradninch.
As Paignton entertain Budleigh this Saturday, there is no room for error for Plympton as one of the chasers can gain ground on them.
Having bowled out Barton for 38 last Saturday en route to a nine-wicket win, Plympton captain James Carr would like more of the same.
“It was a top performance last week - same again this Saturday,” said Carr,.
“We know what we have to do if we want to achieve what we want.”
Dave Wrench (work) and Dom Mulberry are absent. In come Ryan Skinner and Matt Gregory.
Paignton, a point behind Plympton, are looking forward not back.
The 150-run win over former leaders Bradninch and been and gone and with Budleigh coming to Queens Park it s important to remember that.
“The boys are concentrating on this weekend’s game,” said Paignton captain Connor Bryan.
“Another win this week will be another big step towards gaining promotion.”
Bradninch are at home to Chudleigh, who are making a concerted effort in the last month of the season to get out of the bottom two.
Skipper Tim Piper said the defeat at Paignton was a setback but not terminal to the club’s promotion prospects.
“It's good to be back playing at home after a couple of tough games away,” he said.
“We need to bounce back quickly, before the season gets away from us and prove to ourselves that last week was just a slip up.
“We expect to beat Chudleigh, but they seem to be getting better as the season goes on.
“They're not a team to be taken lightly and we'll need to give 100 per cent.”
Piper is waiting on a late fitness test from Chris Acton. Will Greig is unavailable.
Chudleigh are out of the bottom two after beating fellow strugglers Lewdown, but only just. They are level on points with the Moorlanders and the only dividing line is four games won to three.
Two of Chudleigh, Lewdown and bottom side Abbotskerswell will go down, unless Brixham get sucked into the mire.
Chudleigh are the form team at the bottom, but skipper Ed Foreman is keeping feet planted on the ground.
“I think the key for us this week is to not get too carried away,” said Foreman.
“We have beaten some very good teams in recent weeks but we have also had some heavy defeats.
“We need to keep the focus on ourselves and not worry about other teams or the table. If we are meant to stay up we will.
“Bradninch will be strong and want promotion. The pressure is on them.”
The pressure is certainly Lewdown and Brixham, who play each other.

We must win on Saturday, it’s as simple as that,” said Abbots captain Richard Acton.
“All the guys know the situation. Our poor run has seen us hit the bottom so we have to win on Saturday have a hope of staying up.
“Lewdown are in a similar situation so will be fighting just as hard as us to win.
Acton and Guy Harrison-Roberts are back and replace Callum Stanley and Charlie Mitchell.
Lewdown have only ever gone up since joining the Devon League 11 years ago – and have never been relegated at any level.
“It is vital we win this week as a loss will mean almost certain relegation,” said skipper Harry Geering.
“With the 2^nd XI en route to promotion and the 3^rd XI holding their own, we need to stay up to make it another good year for the club.
“Last week (against Chudleigh) we did well with what we had, inexperience and injuries coat us dearly.
“A win is the aim and will be vital. Chudleigh and Abbots have harder run-ins than us. But, obviously, every game is difficult for us with players away and having no overseas.
“That said a win here and we will be confident of staying up, but we will have to perform.
“Abbots beat us by 30 or 40 runs at their place when we had six missing.
‘Three missing this week so we hope that will be the difference.
“The key will be to how well we see off their first spell.
“Then I think we will be in with a big shout. But I'm sure it will be a close game either way.”
Lewdown have Tom Pearce back. Jack Williams back and Ben Williams back bowling again. Tallen Burns won't be fit to bowl but will play as a batsman.

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