League agree ground switch for Budleigh cruncher
DEVON League bosses have agreed to re-jig the fixture list to ensure Budleigh Salterton play their league game against Exmouth this Saturday.

Budleigh were desperate to find a ground to play Exmouth as they scrap all the way to avoid relegation from the Premier Division as their own is out of action due to flood damage.

The University of Exeter ground at Topsham has been a temporary home for Budleigh, but that isn't available for the last two Saturdays of the season.

So the Devon League management has agreed to let Exmouth host the game and switch the scheduled 2nd XI fixture against Stoke Gabriel to Woodbury.

Neil Rice, the Budleigh Salterton chairman, claimed the decision was a victory for common sense.

He added: 'Our previous experience has been that the league awards six points to each side when the ground has been unfit, as they would in an game which is rained off.

'The game against Exmouth is a big one as we need points to stay up and they want them because they are in with a chance of winning the title.

'Six points each is no good to either of us. We need to be playing for the full 20.'

Budleigh's Ottermouth ground a six-hit away from the sea front where Budleigh play their games, has been out of commission since mid-June.

The ground was flooded to rooftop level of the pavilion, which left the wicket unplayable due to water damage.

An ECB pitch inspector visited Budleigh last week to offer advice about recovering the square for next season - which cost the club a cool £350 in attendance fees.

The ground has a history of flooding and Budleigh have mopped up more times than they care do recall.

It cost more than £30,000 to refurbish the clubhouse after the latest flood, which included refitting the bar, kitchen and dressing room area.

Long term Budleigh are looking to get away from Ottermouth and are in talks with landlords Clinton Estates about a lease swap.

Clinton Estates are receptive to a switch - they have plans for their landholding in the Otter Valley where the ground is - and hope to unveil them before Christmas.


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