Devon Cricket Board - Budleigh bring in Phillips as head coach

Budleigh bring in Phillips as head coach

FORMER Somerset fast bowler Ben Phillips has been installed as Budleigh Salterton’s new head coach as the Ottermouth side show they are serious about a quick return to the Premier Division this summer.
Budleigh’s 10-year stay in the top flight – they were promoted as runners-up to arch rivals Exmouth in 2003 – ended last season when they went down with only two wins to their name.
Bob Dawson (869) and James Burke (834) dominated the batting standings in the division – only Sidmouth’s Liam Lewis with 904 made more runs – but Budleigh lacked the bowling firepower to win games.
Neil Rice, the Budleigh chairman, said the club had looked at the reasons why they fell short last season and tackled them head on.
Phillips, 39, who retired from First Class cricket last season after a spell with Nottinghamshire, has been brought in to bring on the youngsters.
“Apart from one or two olds heads – Bob Dawson, James Burke and Joel Murphy – we have a very young side,” said Rice, a former player himself.
“The old boys – the Procters, Bishops and Allens – who were the backbone of the side when we won the Premier Division in 2006 have all long gone.
“The future of the club rests with our youngsters, which we have got a great many of. We need to grow from within as that is sustainable.”
Phillips (pictured), who now works as a conditioning coach, has a specific brief from the club.
“It is to develop, and deliver programmes to improve the fitness, disciplines and skills of the club’s cricket establishments at all levels,” said Rice.
Phillips officially starts work on May 1, but in reality is already getting to grips with his new charges.
“Such is his enthusiasm he attending some of the winter indoor net sessions,” said Rice.
“Ben has also been registered to play for the club in the Devon Cricket League. “
Phillips played for Kent, Nottinghamshire, Northants and Somerset between 1996-2013.
Although primarily a bowler, Phillips could also bat and had a respectable First Class average in the 20s, which included 16 half-centuries and a ton against Lancashire at Old Trafford early in his career.
Phillips isn’t a total stranger to the Devon League having played three times for Bovey Tracey during the 2009 season.
Rice said Budleigh don’t intend to recruit and overseas player this season, but he hasn’t ruled out another signing or two before the season starts.
Nets are already under way at Exmouth Community College every Sunday night on a two-week cycle.
The colts and senior players are practicing on alternate Sundays between now and March 30.
Additional nets are being held at the Devon Cricket Centre in Exeter on Tuesday evenings from late February until early April.
There will be a lot of cricket played by Budleigh Salterton this summer as part of the development programme includes entering a side in the South Devon League, which plays mostly on Sundays.
Colts’ manager Karl Short is running the South Devon League side, which aims to provide worthwhile playing opportunities for the next generation of players.

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