Devon Cricket Board - Bridgers looking to exploit promotion opportunity

Bridgers looking to exploit promotion opportunity

IVYBRIDGE will be looking to beat Plymstock and make the most of their unexpected return to the promotion race.
The Bridge thought they were out of it until Thorverton and Bideford both slipped up last time out.
While Tavistock appear to be over the horizon – they are 27 points clear at the top – anyone one of Bideford (222), Thorverton (217) or Ivybridge (215) will be going up with them.
Skipper Gareth Andrews returns after injury and Ramesh Perera is promoted from the 2nd XI. Out go Des Solomon and Neil Lancaster.
Ivybridge can expect no favours from near neighbours Plymstock, who were promotion prospects themselves until recently.
“It is always nice to play a derby game as it's adds a little bit of flavor, especially as they are pushing to go up,” said skipper James Nichols.
“We know they are good and we know the damage their quality players can do so it's going to be a tough test.
“This week we are missing George Barnicott and Dave Orchard is unavailable so in come youngsters Liam Savage and Josh Summer.
“It will be good for me to see what they can do for next year.”
Thorverton will be looking to repair the damage done by losing to Plymstock when they host leaders Tavistock.
If Thorverton are going to go up this season they will be doing it the hard way as they wind up at Bideford on the last day of the season.
It’s tough, but you won’t catch skipper Graham White moaning about it.
“We let ourselves down last week by not applying ourselves with the bat, although the pitch did fall apart,” said White.
“We’re still in the promotion race and want to ensure that carries on to a huge game on the last day of the season.
“A lot of sides with little to play for other than pride would love to be in this position and we now is the time to perform.”
James Hope is back for Dave Baldock, who is away.
Bideford go to Braunton, who will feel more confortable with a win under their belts to be sure of finishing ahead of Barnstaple & Pilton and out of the bottom two.
Bideford can’t afford to slip up in the same way they did against Barnstaple last time out.
“Another big game and like barnstaple they will be up for it, but we are determined to make sure its a different result,” said Bideford captain James Ford, who has named an unchanged team.
Elsewhere, Shobrooke Park play Axminster and doomed Stoke Gabriel make the long trek to Barnstaple, who have to win to go into the final round of games with a chance of staying up.

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