Devon Cricket Board - A Division - Budleigh looking for a ground

A Division - Budleigh looking for a ground

The gloomy scene at Ottermouth - above and left

BUDLEIGH Salterton are looking for a replacement ground to play tomorrow’s A Division game against Bradninch.
Skipper Lloyd White feels there is little chance of getting the game on at Ottermouth following midweek rain.
“Our ground is in a terrible state – I can’t see us playing at all,” said White. “The umpires would just laugh.”

“There is significant waterlogging in areas which, despite umpteen man hours of work, simply is not drying out.

“We are desperate to play – as I know Bradninch are - but unless we can fined an alternative venue – which at this stage of the week seems highly unlikely – then we’ll miss another league game.”

Hand on heart there is no way Ottermouth is going to be fit for action.

“I have suggested that Bradninch send someone to see the seriousness of our situation for I’d hate to think anyone was of the opinion that we were up to something untoward!

“The season is a short one and for both ourselves and Bradninch to have to sit out match days one and two really would be a massive blow.

“That said, perhaps someone out there can help us?”

Contact White on 07931 895123 if you can help with a ground.
On or off Budleigh will be without Zimbabwean all-rounder Cephas Zhuwo, who hasn’t arrived yet due to visa problems.
“His visa has been declined as he forgot to submit some documents,” said White.
Bowlers James Leat and Rob Newman are not available against Bradninch, neither is batter Sam Richardson, but Harry Parkin and Rob Craze are around and will come in.
“And hopefully ‘The Bully’ said White.
Bradninch will be without veteran seam bowler Paul Nott due to illness.
ALSO waiting for their overseas player to arrive are Sandford, who haven’t seen Zimbabwean Prince Masuare yet.
Masuare is a left-hand batsman and seam bowler, who plays for the Mid-West Rhinos.
Skipper Jamie Palmer has a few selection problems this weekend and could really do with Masuare on board for the game against Hatherleigh.
“We have quite a few unavailable this week with injuries, university and schools cricket,” said Palmer.
The Creedy Park outfit were due to host Tavistock last Saturday but that game was called off due to bad weather.
Palmer is keen to get the game on, although he is expecting a bit of a tussle.
“Hatherleigh are a successful side in the A division now and will be tough opposition away from home,” said Palmer.
“It will be nice to get out on the field and play some cricket,”
One player with a particular interest in getting out there is Sandford batsman Adrian Small, who has a major milestone in sight.
Small went into the final game of last season against Heathcoat needing to make five or more to pass 9,000 runs in the Devon League.
Jamie Drew spoiled the occasion by removing Small for a single, so he has spent the winter four runs short of the target.
Small first played for Exmouth in 1993 and also had a stint with Exeter before switching to Sandford in 1996.

BIDEFORD, at home to Barton, will be without skipper James Ford (foot) and seamer Paul Heard due to injury.
Chris Luxton and Mat Shepard unavailable but, on the plus side, Josh Roach has arrived and will play. Andy Webbe is promoted after making runs in the 2nd XI
Barton are without Ben Holmes (away), Stuart Bowker (working can't travel) and Alex hunt (can't travel)
Skipper Adam Parker is clear to play again after a one-match suspension and is joined back in the side by batters Scott Bellamy, Will Grainger and Steve Lewis.

TAVISTOCK, at home to Brixham, bring in Aaron Churchill as an extra batter to an otherwise unchanged team.

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