Devon Cricket Board - Lessons must be learned says Budleigh captain

Lessons must be learned says Budleigh captain

BUDLEIGH Salterton have to learn the lessons from last season if they intend bouncing straight back into the Premier Division this term.
Two wins were all Budleigh could manage as they slipped back into the A Division after 10 seasons in the top flight, which they won in 2007.
Skipper Joel Murphy said Budleigh largely had themselves to blame for being relegated, and without a change in mindset nothing will change.
“We didn’t prepare properly or the season or games – and out attitude often wasn’t right either,” said Murphy.
“As captain you have to take some responsibility for that – and I intend to improve our the way we approach games in future.
“If we don’t stop doing what we were doing before, then we will get the same results.”
Murphy (right) retains faith in his squad’s ability and with almost all available again in 2014 has high hopes.
Somerset’s James Burke has recommitted to the club for another year and it seems former Devon captain Bob Dawson is staying, despite rumors linking him to Exmouth and Cornish side St Just.
“James had a tremendous season – 800-plus runs and 25 wickets – and showed the rest of us how it should be done so I am delighted he is staying,” said Murphy.
“Bob also topped 800 runs in the league and I hope he will be staying as he has so much to offer.
“No one has left us apart from Seb Langbridge, our Kiwi keeper who scored a ton in the last game.
“Keeper-wise we have options within the club so I don’t think we will be looking for anyone.”
Teenage batsman Jack Dart (left) is currently enjoying a gap winter in Australia, playing for Williamstown Imperials in Melbourne.
“He is getting runs for Williamstown and will be a better player for the experience,” said Murphy.
As for an overseas player, Murphy said nothing had been decided one way or the other, including a possible return for Steve Spoljaric.
The Aussie batter had three full seasons at Ottermouth (2006-08), scoring 1,849 runs at an average in the high 50s and taking more than 50 wickets.
For the past four seasons Spoljaric has been playing for Parkfield in the Dandenong Cricket Association in Victoria.
“At this stage I wouldn’t rule anyone in or out,” said Murphy.

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