Devon Cricket Board - A Divison

A Divison - Top two clash

IT couldn’t be tighter at the top of the A Division, where just eight points separate the leading five clubs.

Match of the day tomorrow should be the meeting between leaders Paignton and second-placed Budleigh Salterton at Ottermouth.

The two teams were level pegged until last Saturday when the both lost! Paignton didn’t lose as badly as Bovey which put them ahead.

Paignotn were minus George Yates, who was away at a ‘Come Dancing’ weekend and opening bowler George Benton, who was at Disneyland.

Both are back in what skipper Connor Bryan describes as his ‘strongest’ side.

He added: “We believe this will be one of our toughest games of the season and have full intentions of doing our best to win it.”

Budleigh were without Somerset 2nd XI all-rounder James Burke, holidaying pro Ben Phillips and early batter Harry Parkin when they lost at Brixham. All three return.

Brixham, who are level on points with Budleigh in second place are way to Plympton.

Skipper Andy Pugh, who has an unchanged side, was chuffed by the win over Budleigh but feels the best is yet to come from his team.

“We played well in a couple of areas - I can't wait till we get it right in a few more,” said Pugh.

“We are just giving teams too big a start.”

Luckily, Brixham had Jordan Gregory (10-6-4-5) to get the brake on,

Tim Robinson made 47 opening up against Budleigh and is set to continue in his new role.

Plympton had a great weekend – winning at Barton and Bovey Tracey – and skipper James Carr is hoping those results will be a springboard to shoot up the table.

“It was an excellent result last Saturday, especially when Wes Hartslief went off injured in his second over, a lot of teams would have rolled over especially when they were going at a good rate,” said Carr.

“Our batting at last got some sort of form, but for a hiccup in the middle once again but Ross Farrer, Craig Miles and Matt Gregory at the end got us up to a good score.

“Barton are tough and to win at their place is excellent, we have another tough one this Saturday against Brixham.

I think the A Division is the most competitive in Devon, with first place only being 13 points ahead of us in seventh.

“There are plenty of good teams who can beat each other on their day and its all about who can get the most consistency going I feel.

“Our change in form couldn't have come at a better time, especially with a lot of the squad now being available, over the next six-seven weeks.

“Nearly every player is available so we have competition for places, which we have been striving for all season.

“The timing couldn't be better with the run of fixtures we have coming up.”

That competition means no places for Craig Donohue or Dave Wrench tomorrow.

Plympton also have Josh Mailling and Dom Mulberry to come back after this weekend.

Hatherleigh name the same side that defeated Abbotskerswell for their home game against Barton.

They remain one off the bottom but skipper Mark Lake is looking up the table not down.

“Really pleased with last week’s result, but we need to kick on again and string some wins together,” said Lake.

“We are still a win away from the teams above us, but the division is tight and a couple more wins and we can soon be around the teams above us.

“This Saturday will be tough. I rate Barton as a good, all-round cricket side who bat deep and have lots of good bowling options.

“But the lads are confident after last week’s win and I feel we can gain another win, especially with home advantage.”

Abbots are looking to come back with a win against visiting Lewdown.

said skipper Richard Acton, whose side are just clear of the drop zone.

“Our batsman have had a week to work on various things and hopefully will find some form this weekend.”

Team news is Hugo Whitlock is unavailable so Paul Acton comes in as bowling cover and also strengthens the batting.

“It is a big game for us, as we need to bounce back after last weeks disappointment,”

Winless Chudleigh have Kiwi batter Derrick Perry back for the game against visiting Bradninch.

“We have a few others absent but remain strong in all areas,” said captain Ed Foreman,

“Once again I'm just looking for the boys to build on the strong points from last week and keep developing as a side.

“I am expecting Bradninch to be a strong side and finish high in the division this year.

“It's another good chance for our young side to test itself against Premier-standard players.”

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