Devon Cricket Board - A Division - Exeter at full strength

A Division - Exeter at full strength

A Division
LEADERS Exeter are not far off full strength for their trip to Abbotskerswell.
Thomas Viljoen back in the early order for Mike Wilkinson, Andy Mead on holiday so Merrick Steward makes his first appearance this season.
Abbots held on for a draw at Exeter first time round, but have vowed to take the bull by the horns in the rematch.
“Lessons were learned last time round and Exeter won’t find ot easy at our place,” said Abbots skipper Richard Lake.
The Halse brothers – Mark and Nick – make their debuts after transferring from South Devon. Alun Lewis and Andy Lock are the absentees.
Plymstock’s battle at the bottom of the table is getting decidedly wet at the moment but they are keeping themselves just outside of the relegation zone.
Admittedly, they're keeping their heads above the watery danger zone with aid of the constant flooding!
But a game against lowly South Devon could help get the lifeboat to league safety moving.
This watery analogy is not lost on team spokesman, George barnicott, who said: “Not only are we trying to stay afloat in the league, but the tide is always rising (teams below picking up points) and we want to make sure we don't get any leaks in the hull (dropped points) or hit any icebergs (losses).”
Plymstock have a few men overboard this weekend so have brought up cabin boys Callum Cload and Max Thomas to replace Hal Kerton and Teddy Richards.
South Devon are going to be without all-rounders Ian Shepherd and Paul Hooper, who are working.
Young seamer Jonty Parsons in contention after impressing in one-to-one-net sessions.
Brixham have promoted Richard Ward from the 2nd XI as the man in form for their derby date at Paignton.
With Craig Eaves on a themed holiday in Turkey, Brixham skipper Mark Orchard has turned to Ward on the back of 250 runs in five games.
“He deserves a chance at a run in the side,” said Orchard.
Paignton were turned over at Brixham earlier in the season, but Orchard expects them to be a tougher proposition this time.
“Paignton are a good side that will be looking to get one back on us after the early season game,” said Orchard.
“They have recruited well lately and only need players like Andy Kingdon and Steve George to come good with Seb Benton and Brady Barends and they will shoot up the table.
“It would be good to get back on to the positive results. No reason why with the talented squad we have we can do that and close the gap on the top.”
Paignton planned to rest Seb Benton against South Devon last Saturday had the game gone ahead. The Devon left-hander returns.
Plympton entertain Braunton – weather permitting – well aware they are going to need produce their A game.
“We lost to Braunton at their place because lack of focus when we batted which meant we didn't score enough runs,” said skipper Andy Walter.
“Hopefully we have learnt from some of our mistakes we made in the first half of the season and can move on and keep pushing the top two.”
Missing are Jeremey Williams and david Wrench. In come John Fish and Alex Carr.
Cornwood captain Craig Harris is confident his team will be ready for action against Shobrooke Park, despite the weather!
“We were lucky enough to be able to put in a great training session on Tuesday evening,” said Harris.
“Despite the vast amount of rain the desire is still there and we are all keen to hit the ground running.
“Our guys will turn up hoping to play any length of game possible and get the best possible result to keep us in the mix at the top end of the table.
“The last time we played Shobrooke we won, but felt we missed out on a few of our disciplines.
“As it was only the second game of the season, we were able to build on this.”
Harris has to work so Jason Hall will captain the side.
Ali Craig and Mike Wood are available and return.
Justin Dollow leads Shobrooke for the first time following the resignation of Chris Ford two weeks ago and with 25 points to make up on Plymstock to get out of the drop zone knows he has a job of work to do.
“It is not over yet and we will work as hard as we can to stay up,” said Dollow.
“Our senior players will have to perform though which has been lacking so far.”

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