Devon Cricket Board - Williams relishing crack at old county

Williams relishing crack at old county

FORMER Exeter and Devon batsman Aaron Williams said he won’t be worried about facing his old colleagues when Dorset visit the County Ground in the Minor Counties Championship (Sunday, 11am).

Williams – his family home is in Kingskerswell – came up through Devon’s youth ranks and played for Minor Counties cricket between 2004-08.

Williams had two stints with Torquay – most recently as part of their A Division promotion winning side last season – a spell at Barton where he was skipper and three seasons (2008-10) with Exeter.

A career move took Williams away from Devon and he was invited to play for Dorset after landing a job in the same school as skipper Tom Hicks.

“It isn’t the first time I have run into Devon since I left so what novelty there might have been has worn off,” said Williams.

“Quite a few of the team have change since I played, although obviously I will recognise quite a few of them.

“Matt Thompson and I batted together a lot for Torquay last season, so that might be a bit odd.”

The game is a big one for both counties as they aim to catch leaders Cornwall at the top of the table.

Dorset are second with eight points to make up on Cornwall while Devon are 19 points back in fifth.

Dorset have to win to stay in touch while Devon can’t afford to lose.

Williams, who goes into the game fresh from taking a century off Shropshire, said Devon will get no favours from him or fellow Barton team-mate Darren Cowley, who also plays for Dorset.

“Cornwall are in a great position at the top as their run in is Oxfordshire (4^th) and Wales, who haven’t won a game this season,” said Williams.

“We know we have to win against Devon, otherwise we could be out of it.

“I haven’t played that much cricket this season so making a ton against Shropshire shows I am in pretty good nick

“Darren Cowley got a ‘pair’ against Shropshire and that has never happened to him before 12 years of playing for Dorset. Darren is due a few runs and there is nothing he enjoys more than getting them against Devon.”

Devon, the defending Minor Counties champions need wins in their two remaining games and favourable results elsewhere to retain the title they won last season.

Realistically, they are in the hands of others after failing to force a result in the bore draw with Berkshire last week.

The selectors have named the same 12 which went to Finchampstead, plus opening batsman Rob Woodman who was unable to travel.

Devon (from): J E Burke (Budleigh), R J Holman (Exeter), R J Woodman (Taunton), D F Lye (Exmouth), S R Benton (Paignton), J J Bess (Sidmouth), M W Thompson (Torquay), P Bradley, C Bradley, R J Bougourd (all Bovey Tracey), M C Golding (Bradninch), C A J Morris (Budleigh), T S Anning (Exmouth).

Dorset: A Williams, N G Park, C A R Esson, D J Cowley, J B Lintott, T C Hicks, C L Park, E G Denham, M A Wolstenholme, S Barlow, R C Kitzinger

Umpires: R C Hampshire & S F Bishopp

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