Devon Cricket Board - B Division - tricky trip for Tavvy to Shobrooke

B Division - tricky trip for Tavvy to Shobrooke

B DIVISION ROUND-UP

LEADERS Tavistock face a tricky trip to Shobrooke Park, who have won four of their last five finishes on the way up the table to fifth.

Tavvy are 28 points clear of Bideford at the top of the table following their win over Thorverton

“Shobroke look like they have made some good signings and will be a difficult game for us,” said Tavvy skipper Shaun Daymond,

“Coming up to half way and were in a great position, Slipping up now would be tough. We need to keep this gap on teams below.”

Daymond and pacer James Mcgahey are back this week, but Ian gray missing at the top of the order.

Thorverton were second until running into Tavistock and have the chance to snatch the spot back when Bideford visit Station Road.

After three losses on the spin, skipper Graham White has just about had enough.

“I am fed up with losing so time to win again and reclaim second place,” said White (pictured).

Batter James Hope and both Crouch boys return but opener George Greed is missing.

“Otherwise it is a very strong side,” said White.

Bideford will be minus skipper James Ford and Dan Barratt.

Mike Lemmings and Alex Hannam are both back after a week away.

Barnstaple face a tall order in the basement battle at Stoke Gabriel as they have six men missing.

Donovan, Cole, McEndoo,Thomas, Hunt and Roe are all absent.

In come Jack Moore, 15yr old Charlie Holm 2nd XI skipper Rob Holm and Lee Cole, who is back from holiday.

Stoke Gabriel only had ten to start with at Axminster last time out, which led to some harsh words at mid-week training from captain Mark Gilmour.

Ivybridge, fourth after the derby win over Plymstock, make the long trip to Braunton.

Changes Josh Zimmerman and Charlie Horwood are not available so batsman Chris Greenhouse and Neil Lancaster get their chance after good performances in the 2nd Xi and cup cricket.

Having lost seven wickets chasing 84 to win against Plymstock, skipper Gareth Andrews as some clear views on room for improvement.

“I am looking for the batsmen to take a bit more responsibility once they get in,” said Andrews.

“There were a few loose shots last week, which made it hard for us.”

Braunton will be without skipper Ian Roberts, who is recovering from keyhole knee surgery.

Former skipper Jon Baglow gets the job back for the next 3-4 weeks.

Plymstock captain James Nichols is looking to get the season kick-started against visiting Axminster before time runs out.

Plymstock had hoped to be top two at this point in the season, not fourth from bottom.

The gap between them and Bideford in second is only 29 points though and Nichols isn’t panicking.

“Axminster is a big game in the context of our season - if we win it we aren't in the worst positNichoion in the world having played some pretty poor cricket at times,” said Nichols.

“The batting has to improve it hasn't clicked once and has lost us games we should have won through lack of application and at times some awful shots...

“Our guys are working hard and hopefully we can get it together, and support our bowlers who have been outstanding all year.

“Axminster’s results have been up and down – like ours - so I think Saturday could be a very good game of cricket.”

Mike Blackmore and Steve Rowe are not available. Back come Seb Jordan and Morgan Parkinson, who slammed an unbeaten ton in the twos last week.

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