Devon Cricket Board - A Division - Lewdown skipper wary of Acton

MORE of the same is the plea from Lewdown captain Harry Geering ahead of the visit of Bradninch.
Lewdown are now in the ‘PM’ era – that’s post Marco – following the departure of South African run getter Marco Marais, who has returned home for treatment on a thigh injury.
Lewdown did fine without Marais last Saturday, bowling Barton out for 85 and knocking off the runs for the loss of three wickets.
Bradninch went all the way against Hatherleigh, chasing down 282 to win, which hasn’t gone un-noticed by Lewdown captain Geering.
“Having seen Bradninch win chasing quite a lot, we are going to have to bowl well as we did last week.
“And with the bat the key will be to try and stop Ross Acton doing to much damage in his 10 overs as he did in his last game against us - and most weeks.
“I think teams are naturally going to underestimate us now so we need to capitalise on that.
“We know it will be a tough game and I think the toss will be crucial.”
Bradninch skipper Tim Piper is never afraid to offer an opinion – and has previously suggested Lewdown were a one-man side.
“Lewdown will of course want to prove me wrong, however I think that has been proved correct so far, as without Marais’ contributions this year, they would most likely be bottom of the table,” said Piper.
“On a serious note, I am unaware of how serious an injury it is, but what a shame for him and I hope he recovers quickly.
“Lewdown thrashed Barton last week by the looks of things which was a great result for them.
“As far as we see it, we have a better team, man for man than them, combined with more experience.
“It would be an upset and we'd be disappointed if we didn't come away with the points.”
Lewdown’s Ben Williams is still injured. Brandon horn drops back to the 2nd XI as they have a must-win game against Dartington and is replaced by youngster Leon Horn.
Paul Nott returns to the Bradninch attack. Mark Ashplant misses out.
CHUDLEIGH, at home to Barton, replace the absent Derek Perry with Dan Britcilffe.
Chudleigh have their work cut out to dodge the drop after last Saturday’s seven-wicket loss to Budleigh left them 45 points away from safety.
Skipper Ed Foreman is already planning ahead for battles that can be won next season.
But that doesn’t mean he will accept below-par displays.
“Our focus is very much still on development as a team so last week’s defeat will not bother me if we learn the appropriate lessons,” said Foreman.
“However, there is only so much protection I can give the boys and now is the time they need to step up to the mark and start performing.”
HATHERLEIGH head for Brixham two places and 22 places clear of danger after losing a high-scoring affair against Bradninch.
Skipper Mark Lake is going with same again despite the setback against Bradninch.
He added: It is a chance move further up the table with Brixham being just a point in front.
“Brixham will be fighting for a win as well because they know a defeat would drag them closer to the bottom.
“I am expecting a tough game down there, but don't see any reason why we can't come away with a win.”
BUDLELEIGH Salterton captain Joel Murphy believes the A Division promotion race is wide open – which makes tomorrow’s date with leaders Plympton crucial.
Plympton seem to hold the whip hand in the division as they are 29 points clear of second-placed Bradninch, who are being chased by Paignton (-5), Budleigh and Barton (-11) and Brixham (-28).
No one behind Plympton is stringing wins together, which is why Murphy feels it remains wide open.
“Every Saturday night you look at the results and there are always some odd ones,” said Murphy.
“We went lost three in a row – and if we win this Saturday that will be three in a row.
“The fact the division is so unpredictable this season makes if more interesting.
“Anyone one of the top five or six clubs could fill the top two places.”
Budleigh have Somerset’s James Burke back after illness to strengthen their side.
Plympton’s successes this season have been based around strength in depth – which is great when you have to make forced changes.
When everyone is available it means making tough decision on who to pick and who plays in the 2nd XI.
Out go Daniel Hussey, Craig Miles (holiday), Dan Hawker (old) and in come Olly Mulberry, Chris Bunney and Ryan Skinner.
“Tough selections this week as had a lot of players back and had to leave out Matt Gregory, who has been brilliant for us this season, and Dave Wrench,” said skipper James Carr.
“We are at full strength, which is good, as it will be a tough match.
Budleigh look like they have turned a corner and are definitely going to be there at the end of the season.
“A win against Budleigh will give us some breathing space from them and they will no doubt beat teams who are chasing us as well.”