Devon Cricket Board - A Division - Baglow wary of Corns

A DIVISION
BRAUNTON skipper Jon Baglow is keen to stamp on any sense of complacency ahead of the trip to Cornwood.
Braunton were the only side in the A Division to get a result last Saturday, beating South Devon by six wickets before the rain set in.
“Cornwood away is going to be totally different, another level, and one of the toughest games of the whole season,” said Baglow.
“We have struggled down there in the past so are looking for a positive performance. Cornwood have improved over the winter and should now be pushing for promotion along with Exeter (who we have next week), so the next couple of games we will be searching for points.”
Baglow is probably right to be cautious of Cornwood, whose skipper Craig Harris feels the club is on an upward spiral.
“This season, more than ever, we have been able to keep up the buzz,” said Harris.
“I don't see it being one person or one particular character being outspoken and vocal, but the team feeling they want to play and play well for their mates.
“It’s encouraging as we have some big games coming up before we reach the half-way stage.”
Ali Craig is away and Harris unavailable due to work commitments, replacements are Ben Warren and Mark Horwell (ex Werrington and Cornwall) batsman/keeper.
Horwell has been unable to keep wicket due to a finger injury but has been back playing and batting and enjoying his cricket. Jason Hall will captain in Harris’ absence.
On Sunday Cornwood face Plymstock at home in the Devon Cup.
Team news for this is that Chris Parker and Mark Horwell are out and Harris and Matt Skeemer come in.
Skeemer, 15, has been at the club for a few years now, having also attracted the guys in the Devon colts ranks.
He has toured South Africa with Devon and has taken wickets and scored heavy runs through all age-group cricket.
“Matt also took a ton and 50-plus score in his last two games for our 2nd XI so we are excited at the chance of giving him a game,” said Harris.
Skeemer is the grandson of league president and Chudleigh stalwart Graham Shears.
TOP plays bottom at the County Ground where leaders Exeter entertain South Devon.
Exetr slipped up badly for the first time this season last Saturday when Brixham were on top of them when rain intervened.
The only game South Devon haven’t lost was the one at Paignton on day one, so they need a result fast, not that Exeter skipper Jon Tipper is in a particularly charitable mood.
“Brixham was a bit of a wake-up call and we need to ensure we improve considerably in all areas,” said Tipper.
“It is important to get back to winning ways and that has to be our aim this Saturday.”
Rob Holman replaces Mike Wilkinson in the early order.
South Devon skipper Adrian Hewings can see a tough game looming, but added it would be wrong to write his team off.
“The trip to Exeter presents a big ask of application and spirit as they'll be looking to make a statement as table toppers,” said Hewings.
“We've moved on from last week, but key lessons must be learnt about building an innings, as we've let Ali Wright down by not batting with him.
“With the ball we've made chances all season, but haven't taken them to change the game.”
South Devon team news is that seamers - Sam Davies, William Littlechild and Dave Knowles return from holidays.
Batter Ben Chadwick is available again will push for another chance after being unlucky last week.
BRIXHAM skipper Mark Orchard isn’t letting the game against Exeter cloud his vision.
Lowly Shobrooke Park, who were on the receiving end of 340 for two at Paignton last time out, host Brixham this Saturday.
“They'll be wanting to prove something after last week too so we will have to be wary,” said Orchard.
They have some good players in Jon James and Justin Dollow and Richard Pyle is a wily, experienced cricketer and will battle.
“If they come together then we all know it'll be a tough game.
“We need to build on last week against Exeter. Need to keep concentrating on ourselves in order to keep performing.”
Andrew Lewin is back in for Will Matthewman.
AFTER last week’s disappointing rained -off game at Abbotskerswell, Plymstock are looking to pick up points at in-form Paignton.
Plymstock were in an excellent position against Abbots. After the home team had declared on 235-5, Plymstock were 121-3 with plenty of overs left when the rain set in, for good.
Skipper Dave Orchard said: “We were looking pretty solid in the run chase, Matt Smith and Matt Reynolds were looking good, but it wasn't too be.
“We were a bit slack when bowling, but Abbots’ aggressive declaration (due to the inclement weather) meant there was always going to be a result if the rain stayed off.
“Unfortunately it didn't work out that way.
“Lately we have been picking up points but not really getting the results we should.
“We all know the form Paignton are in with the bat so we've called up second team bowler Liam Savage who is looking in good nick at the moment.
“We're going to head to Paignton and play how we know we can. If that happens more points will hopefully start to come our way."
Batter Steve Coomer and Teddy Richards return to the ones, along with Savage.
Plymstock won’t have to worry about Paigntons’s ton-up batter Seb Benton, scorer of two successive centuries, as he is on a health-spa holiday in Egypt.
Ian Selway comes into to what is otherwise and unchanged side.
Paignton have more than one Benton in the team and skipper Andy Kingdon has high hopes of brother George hogging some limelight soon.
George is bowling with pace this year and swinging the ball late,” said Kingdon.
“He will get plenty of wickets this year. Considering he has only just turned 19 he has a bright future ahead.”
Plympton, away to Abbotskerswell, are looking to share the runs around a bit more.
“Batters are getting in and getting starts, but only Chris Bunney, Josh Mailing and Andy Walter have gone past 50,” said vice-captain David Wrench.
With batter Duncan Hefford unavailable, Plympton have gone for an additional bowler in Craig Donohue.
Abbots draft in Richard Ashworth and Noah Tobias as skipper Richard Lake looks for improvements.

“The team has under performed in certain areas in the last few games and lI am ooking for the guys to step up and put in solid performances in all areas on the day,” said Lake.