Devon Cricket Board - Bovey opt for Devon Cup ahead of T20 national glory

Bovey opt for Devon Cup ahead of T20 national glory

BOVEY Tracey skipper Peter Bradley has been explaining why his team have pulled out of today's re-arranged ECB Twenty20 Regional Final against Bristol at Usk in South Wales.
Devon champs Bovey were due to play in the regional final last Sunday with the winners earning a trip to Edgbaston for the national final.
The first attempt at Pontidullais was rained off which meant trying again today on the reserve date.
There was only one snag with that plan: Bovey are playing Exeter today in the semi-final of the Devon KO Cup.
Bradley said it was impossible to honour both fixtures with a competitive side, so a choice had to be made.
'After consulting with the players the overwhelming response was stick with the Devon Cup,' said Bradley.
'It may sound a bit premature, but we could do the Devon treble this season if we win the cup.
'We have already won the Devon T20 and are top of the table in the Premier Division, so it is possible.'
Bovey got in touch with the league management to explain their dilemma, and the solution was straightforward.
Plymouth, who lost a thrilling Devon final at Exmouth two weeks ago by nine runs, have been asked to replace Bovey and have agreed.
While Bovey will be close to full-strength today, A Division leaders Exeter make the short trip down the A38 with a couple of key men missing.
Having reached the last four with an against-the-odds win over Premier side Plymouth, Exeter skipper Jon Tipper isn't too worried.
'Rob Holman and Andy Mead are both unavailable, but we beat Plymouth with five out so have nothing to fear at Bovey," said Tipper.
'With a bit of luck we will be in the Premier again next season so it is good for us to have a look at what we are going to be up against.
'Bovey are top of the table and they don't come much better than that.'
Holders Sidmouth should start as favourites in the other semi-final against Premier proppers-up Heathcoat, but skipper Will Murray is rightly wary of them.
Going into yesterday's game against Exmouth in the league, Heathcoat had won three in a row.
'Heathcoat had a dreadful start to the season and have struggled to get over it,' said Murray.
'They have some fine players though - the Smith brothers and the skipper Chris Small - and are playing decent cricket now which makes them a threat.'
Heathcoat captain Small feels Sidmouth are beatable even though they are favourites.
'Had a few things went our way in the league game it may have been a bit closer then the scorecard read,' said Small.
'Sidmouth are a very talented side but we are definiely keen for a good, tough game.'
Sidmouth are without keeper-batter Pete Randerson so Dan Powell steps up from the 2nd XI.

Heathcoat are without miserly seamer Paul Elliot so recall Daron Drew as bowling cover.

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