Devon Cricket Board - Premier news: Ton-up Thommo has more runs in mind

TORQUAY face a tall order at Sidmouth where they are looking to bounce back from a one-wicket defeat at North Devon.
Sidmouth are running away with the league – they are 60 points clear of Plymouth at the top – and white flags have already been run up by the clubs who were chasing them.
Sidmouth have not lost a game this season – and haven’t been beaten at home in the league since 2012.
Fortress Fortfield is an intimidating place, but not for Torquay batsman Matt Thompson, who loves it and with good reason.
In his last four visits to Sidmouth with Devon he has scored 120 not out, 107 in the same three-day match, 68 and 126.
“He would dig our wicket up and take it round with him if he could,” said Sidmouth groundsman Colin Whitehall.
It is an impressive record but Thompson is well aware cricket can trip you up if you don’t apply yourself.
“It is a great place to bat because you can rely on the pace and bounce – and it doesn’t turn overly,” said Thompson.
“But in my first season for Devon I got a ‘pair’ there against Oxfordshire so you can’t take anything for granted.
“We know Sidmouth’s reputation and go there with absolutely no pressure on us at all.
“And it would the right time and the right place for me to get my first Premier ton…”
Sidmouth will have Anthony Griffiths back at first wicket down, or somewhere close, which means Matt Hewer returns to the 2nd XI.
There remain doubts over Somerset’s Adam Dibble and if he misses the match Gary Chaplin will play,
CLIVE Jones is back in cricket with Heathcoat in a team management role as the Premier new boys aim to stay well away from the drop zone.
Jones is best known for his local football career as manager of Willand Rovers for 15 seasons.
He left the Western League Premier club 14 months ago in need of a break from soccer – and keen to get back into cricket.
Jones was Heathcoat 1st XI captain in 2005-2006 and has stayed close to the club since retiring.
Heathcoat have found life tough in the top flight following promotion and asked Jones to take on a team management role for the rest of the season.
The new regime had wins over Exmouth and Exeter on the previous two Saturdays and is looking to make it three from three against visiting Cornwood tomorrow.
Those wins have shunted Heathcoat 22 points away from the drop zone and another over a team below will increase the safety margin.
Heathcoat struggled to survive the last time they were in the Premier Division – they lasted two seasons – but Jones believes they are better equipped this time.
‘There is a big gap between A Division and Premier – and people don’t always realise that,’ said Jones.
‘If you don’t prepare properly or aren’t ready for the jump to much better level of cricket, you can be turned over very quickly.
‘There are some good individuals at other clubs, but as a team we are as good as any.
‘We believe we are in the right place now and intend to stay there.’
Heathcoat will be without early order batsman Jason Williams tomorrow as he suffered a dislocated shoulder fielding in the win over Exeter.
Heathcoat have Jones as the mentor and motivator for the rest of the season, but longer term it looks like football is hoving back into sight.
‘I love my cricket and it is great doing something to help Heathcoat, but after a year off I am missing football management,’ said Jones.
‘I will be back in it with Elmore this season and have already been down there doing some work with the lads for their pre-season friendlies.’
NORTH Devon will be without all-rounder Ed Yeo for the game against Plymouth while he sits out a one-match ban imposed for swearing during a game.
Also out is skipper Matt Westaway, who is on a fishing holiday, so vice-captain Barney Huxtable takes the reins.
And Jamie Overton has not been released by Somerset, which means three changes to the side.
In come Rob Gear, Matt Dart and Sam Witheridge, none of whom featured in the one-wicket win over Torquay last time out.
Huxtable said Plymouth would be a huge test of his young side’s new-found form.
“Another win would make it three from three and - hopefully - push us up to second place,” said Huxtable.
“We have a good track record at home against Plymouth, but they are a good unit and play well as a team.
“It is a good opportunity for younger players to cement a place with people away for various reasons.”
Plymouth ocupy second place and skipper Matt Hooper is determined to hold on to it.
“We have a decent record against North Devon and I think the sides are quite equally matched,” said Hooper.
“It is always a good deck up there, but our batters know that they are in a battle with North Devon’s seam attack.
“We believe second in the league is where we deserve to be and we hope to keep winning in case Sidmouth do slip up.
“We know that every team in this division has players who can win games, so we will be looking for another good, all-round performance to maintain our excellent season so far.”
It is a busy weekend for Plymouth as they entertain Exeter on Sunday in the Devon Cup.
SANDFORD captain Jamie Palmer is disregarding Exmouth’s current form ahead of the Maer Ground meeting with the ailing champions.
Exmouth are down to fourth in the table following a run of defeats that has left them 70 points adrift of leaders Sidmouth.
Sandford have some catching up to do to get out of the bottom two, but Palmer isn’t assuming Exmouth will fold as easily as they did at Bovey last time out.
“We won't be underestimating Exmouth - irrelevant of their form - as we know just how good a side they are and how many match winners they have,” said Palmer.
“I am looking for an improvement in the field from last week, we need to start being more clinical and not giving really good players second chances.”
Adrian Small, Richard Tucker and Shaun Hawkins come in to the side.
Exmouth skipper Richard Baggs has made a tactical bowling change, leaving out left-armer Matt Coult in favour of seamer Ollie Dawe, who is fit again following a wrist operation.
BOVEY Tracey will be unchanged for their trip to Exeter hardly a surprise after the way they routed Exmouth by nine wickets last time out.
“We took a lot of confidence from the way we beat Exmouth last week and I am looking for more of the same from everyone,” said Bovey captain Andy Fairbairn.
“We know it will be a really tough game but are looking forward to the challenge. “
Exeter are going to be without two of their leading performers – opening bowler Joe Barrs and Surrey youth player Neil Prowse.
Opening bowlers Barrs is rested as he has had a lot of cricket recently.
Prowse, who has made things happen with bat and ball all season, is attending his graduation ceremony at he University of Exeter.
George Greenway and Zak Bess are called in.
Bovey have climbed the table in recent weeks with a lone defeat by Sidmouth their only set back in four outings.
“Bovey’s recent run of form doesn’t surprise me, they are quality side,” said Exeter captain Miles Lenygon.
“Out of the sides pushing for second place, I think they will be the toughest we face.”