Devon Cricket Board - Torquay skipper's relegation warning

Torquay skipper's relegation warning

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TORQUAY skipper Justin Yau has warned his team the consequences of losing to Bradninch could be dire.
This time last year Torquay were running away with the A Division title on their way back to the top flight after a two-year absence.
Spool forward 12 months and Torquay are three off the bottom of the Premier Division and just five points clear of Budleigh Salterton in the second relegation slot.
If Torquay lose to Bradninch and Budleigh win at Bovey Tracey, Yau can see trouble ahead.
“We have a huge game ahead of us and are at a stage where we need to string some results together,” said Yau.
“Our bowling has been decent, fielding ok but we need to learn how to construct and build an innings again.
“Bradninch are a good side but we will be desperate for revenge after they won at their place.
“Win and it could propel us to mid table. Lose and we are in the relegation zone. It's as simple as that.
“The lads are up for it more than anything and I'm backing us to come through just when we need to.”
Spinner Tom Field, who joined Torquay from Paignton before the transfer deadline, comes in for his 1st XI debut.
Bradninch have different priorities as they are third in the table with 20 points between them and joint leaders Bovey Tracey and Exmouth.
Although there is a sizeable points gap between Bradninch and Torquay (33), skipper Gary Chappell isn’t complacent.
“They're always tight games with Torquay and while we're way ahead of them in the league I am under no illusions that they can beat anyone on their day and have some match winning performers,” said Chappell.
“We haven’t played for a couple weeks which is frustrating, but the boys have been working hard at training to stay in nick and everyone seems to be striking it nicely, which is very positive.
“We are at full strength in the batting so I am confident we can put in a good performance.”
Bradninch will be without opening bowler Dan Milligan, a loss but not one Chappell is too worried about.
“Torquay is a good place to bowl spin and we have that in abundance,” said Chappell.
“I am looking at the likes of Will Squire and Matt Golding, who have both been performing well for the Lions, and myself to put their hand up in Dan’s absence and win us the game with the ball.”
Tempers frayed when the sides last met, resulting in Bradninch’s Ross Acton picking up a one-match ban.
Chappell is confident there will be no second helpings in the rematch.
“We get on well with the Torquay players and I am sure the drama at our place has been forgotten and we can enjoy another excellent game.”
Sidmouth captain Will Murray has adopted a new tactic in his efforts to bring the Premier title back to the Fortfield.
Rather than worry about the 27-point gap between Sidmouth and the top two, Murray is looking at what is needed to win the title.
“Anything over 260 points in generally enough to win the Premier so that is the target we are setting ourselves.
“Then it is up to Bovey or Exmouth not to slip up – if they do we will be right on their heels.”
Budleigh Salterton captain Joel Murphy is set to play as a batsman only at Bovey Tracey due to a knee injury which may prevent him bowling.
HEATHCOAT – encouraged by their Devon Cup win over Budleigh Salterton - make the short trip to Sandford in confident mood.
The Tiverton side need to start winning in a hurry to get away from the foot of the table and skipper Chris Small thinks beating Budleigh may be the launchpad.
“Hopefully we can take some momentum from a good win and get a few wins on the board,” said Small.
EXMOUTH skipper Richard Baggs sees the trip to defending champions North Devon as a fresh start for his title chasing team.
Last Saturday’s rain off at Torquay may only have been worth six points, but was enough to put Exmouth joint top of the table with Bovey Tracey, who lost at Plymouth.
It's like the start of season again,” said Baggs.

“No one has batted for a while so we have to be right on our game from the start.”

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