Devon Cricket Board - A Division previews

A Division previews - Shergold out for Abbots

BUDLEIGH Salterton’s batting line up will be at full strength against Plympton thanks to the return of James Burke.
The Somerset and Devon all-rounder went lame playing against Cornwall two weeks ago and sat out the win at Chudleigh.
Somerset won’t let Burke bowl against Plympton, not that Budleigh skipper Joel Murphy is too concerned.
“It is great to have Burkey back for what is always a competitive and tough match against one of the danger sides in the division,” said Murphy.
Plympton’s strength in depth is tested as John Fish (work), Andy Walter and Josh Mailling (exam) are unavailable. In come Dave Wrench, Shaun Smith and Matt Gregory.
Skipper James Carr said regular changes are a fact of life at Plympton.
“Even though we didn't play last week we have had to make changes and it's going to be the same every week, with the players unavailable,” said Carr.
“I am glad we've got a good squad to pick from.”
Carr added: We know what Budleigh have got and the experience of their players so it's going to a tough match, but there are going to be a lot of them this season.
“I played against Joel when I was at Civil and Mount Wise as a young lad down in the C when he was at Bradninch.
“I know how hard he plays the game so will expect the same from his team.”
“Over the years Plympton and Budleigh have had some great matches, close matches and hopefully were have another one this Saturday.”
ABBOTSKERSWELL are close to full strength for the short trip to Paignton.
Skipper Dickie Acton plays for the first time this term having been unavailable due to exams.
Batter Aron Owen makes his debut third time around for Abbots after re-signing again from South Devon.
James Fulner, the former Bovey, Shaldon and Torquay keeper-batter, is restored to the side.
Team news from the Paignton camp is that seamer Rob Shergold is unavailable to play against his former club. A late choice on his replacement is planned.
LEWDOWN could be without lynchpin bowler Charlie Hughes for their trip to Bradninch.
Hughes has been with Lewdown since they started climbing through the divisions and is one of the reasons why they have reached the A Division on the back of three promotions in four years.
Hughes is doubtful while Phil Yeo is definitely out. Replacements are ‘pending’ according to skipper Harry Geering.
Lewdown bounced back from losing to Budleigh to beat Barton last time out.
“Barton did have players missing but we still performed well to get the maximum,” said Geering
“It was good to see after the disappointment of losing to Budleigh when we had been in a great position to win it.”

Bradninch captain Tim Piper is hoping to get the season under way at the third attempt after a couple of false starts.

“We'll be looking to win the game and get our season started,” said Piper.

“We've been unlucky twice now. Once due to the toss, once the weather.

“If we can take our performance against Plympton through to the rest of the season, I can't see us losing many games. “

On Lewdown, Piper added: “They look like they have a strong batting line up, but overall we know little about Lewdown, so we shouldn't underestimate them.

“I want to see if it's true, whether or not they are a one man team in Marais.

That's all I've really been told from other teams that have played them.

“Bradninch will be bang up for this one.”

Chris Acton pulled a groin in training last week so misses the match.

Dan Hardy comes back in after being away last week, which is useful, especially as James Street isn't available.

“We have a couple of players still to come back into the team within the next few weeks, so I like how we are shaping up,” said Piper.

BARTON will be looking to get back on track against visiting Chudleigh.
“Put last week behind us and if we concentrate on our game and play to our potential I am confident we will come away with a positive result,” said skipper Adam Parker.
Chris Penner and Andy McVeigh – missing at Lewdown – come back into contention.

DCB Ltd, University of Exeter Sports Hall, Stocker Road, Exeter, Devon EX4 4QN Company Registration Number: 7024773