Devon Cricket Board - Moore unhappy about overseas players in lower divisions

Moore unhappy about overseas players in lower divisions

BARNSTAPLE captain Steve Moore has repeated his view there are too many overseas players in the lower divisions of the Devon League.
Moore has played Premier cricket with Braunton and has no problem with the top sides bringing in overseas players for the level of cricket they are playing at.
Moore has been critical of clubs in the B Division and lower for brining in foreign talent though, which he believes stifles young talent.
And Moore wonders what the B Division table would like if all overseas players were wiped off teamsheets.
“The bottom two sides in the B Division do not have overseas players,” said Moore.
“We have too many overseas in the lower leagues restricting our younger players from developing.
“I believe in giving young players a chance. Whatever happens this season, they will gain vital experience.”
Barnstaple & Pilton are propping up the table and there is already a 41-point gap between them and safety.
If results don’t improve soon, B&P will run out of time to scramble clear.
“It has been a very disappointing first half of the season so we know the importance of our next three games,” said Moore.
With Barton, McEndoo, Thomas and James Roe all back, B&P are at full strength against Thorverton tomorrow.
AXMINSTER have lost double-centurion Jon Hurford, who has left the club and returned to Ilminster over the border in Somerset.
“Losing Jon is a massive blow, but we proved we can still win without him last week against Plymsock, albeit by a small margin,” said skipper Tristan Wakeley. “He will be missed by all though.”
Hurford made a double ton against Clyst St George last season, putting him in a pretty exclusive Devon League club
Gary Larcombe comes in after a week at Glastonbury, but Michael Wakely is back to London.
On the whole we are stronger than when we played Shobrooke (earlier in the season) but that won't count for anything if we don't play well,” said Tristan Wakeley.
“They were a nice group when we played them too, so I'm looking forward to a game without constant comments and just playing in the spirit of cricket.”
Plymstock, beaten on run rate with three balls to go by Axminster, are away to promotion-chasing Bideford.
Skipper James Nichols said there were positives from the loss to Axminster and he hopes to embellish them at Westward Ho!
“Our batting showed how partnerships get decent totals especially on a pitch that offered a lot for the bowlers - and once again our bowling especially the spinners were superb,” said Nichols.
“We know Bideford are a strong side and we expect a tough game, but as we have seen so far this year anyone can turn over anyone in this division so another closely contested game can be expected.”
Scott Mansfield is opening for the 2nd XI so mike Blackmore comes back in after being away last weekend.
Second-placed Bideford, who trail leaders Tavistock by 28 points, are close to full strength with only Alex Hannam missing
“We are in a good position at the halfway mark, but wont b playing for second spot,” said skipper James Ford.
“We will try and push Tavvy all the way as the teams below us will be pushing us hard.”
Tavistock, at home to Braunton, have no plans to let Bideford or anyone else go past them.
‘This second half of the season will test our character as a team,” said captain Shaun Daymond.
“We need to push on and keep winning to show our strength and depth.
Braunton look like they have stabilised and made some good signings. Beating ivybridge last week proves they are a decent side.”
Opening batsmen Ian Gray is back in this week but James McGahey missing.
Braunton won at Ivybridge last time out but are going to be forced to make changes.
“For the first time in a number of seasons we have some good bowling options so we were able to rotate it a bit,” said captain Jon Baglow.
Ivybridge, at home to Stoke Gabriel, bring in Josh Zimmerman and Charlie Horwood for Greenhouse and Lancaster.
Skipper Gareth Andrews is looking for a bit more application from the batters.
“Our batting hasn’t been as good as it can be this season and it cost as against Braunton after getting into a pretty good position,” said Andrews.

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