Devon Cricket Board - Premier - One point is all Sidmouth need now

SIDMOUTH are just one point away from reclaiming the Premier Division title from Exmouth after a hard-earned two-wicket win over Plymouth.
Sidmouth make the short trip to Exmouth this Saturday 65 points clear of second-placed Plymouth with 66 to play for.
Plymouth can’t win enough games to get past Sidmouth now and – realistically – it is all over bar the shouting.
“I know people have been saying for a while we have already won it, but until we get that point I won’t be celebrating,” said Sidmouth captain Will Murray.
CORNWOOD head out on the long trip to Instow with Mark Horwell and Matt Butterworth both unavailable due to injuries.
Cornwood were going to miss Mark anyway as he is heading away on holiday but he also sustained a finger injury in the defeat against Bovey Tracey last week which could rule him out for longer.
Matt Butterworth has been advised to rest by his doctor after sustaining heavy bruising and suspected ligament damage in his foot.
So Adam Goodliffe returns from holiday and steps straight back in to fill Matt’s place while Chris Parker makes a welcome return back to first team cricket after recovering from a niggling hamstring injury.
Aaron Richards will take over the gloves in Horwell’s absence.
Cornwood take on North Devon knowing nothing other than a healthy win and defeats for others around them in the table will suffice, if they are to pull off a miraculous recovery.
“Whatever the situation we shall continue to give everything on the field, knowing that we have the capability and inner belief to succeed,” said chairman Nick Goodliffe.
Cornwood 2^nd XI take on Plymstock at Oak Park , knowing victory will assure them of promotion back to the 2nd XI Premier Division.
James Horgan names a strong team and also gives Under 15 colt Nathaniel Bell an opportunity to step up from 3rd and 4th team cricket after a number of good batting performances this season.
North Devon are looking to bounce back from their mauling at Heathcoat, a defeat which summed up their season.
North Devon were bowled out for 152, which a rapid 80 from Toby Lochead in reply was made to look inadequate.
“When out batting is good we are fine, but when it isn’t we struggle,” said skipper Matt Westaway.
“Our top order has been inconsistent and if Max Curtis or Barney Huxtable don’t fire we aren’t getting runs elsewhere.
“Neil Bettis has found a bit of form recently, but he would be the first to admit he could have scored a few more.”
North Devon will be without Jamie Overton against Cornwood as Somerset have not released him.
Spinner Matt Dart (pictured) may be recalled from the 2^nd XI – he likes bowling from the Pavilion End into the breeze, which the seamers hate – but if he isn’t available a young batter will get a go.
SANDFORD, who are 39 points adrift at the bottom, entertain Exeter with their work cut out to avoid an immediate return to the A Division.
“It's going to be really tough now, even three wins may not be enough,” said Sandford captain Jamie Palmer.
“All we can do is try and win them all and hope that will be enough.
“Exeter are obviously a good side with a lot of strength in depth.”
Richard Tucker and Scott Tremain in for Gary Abdoll and Shaun Hawkins.
PLYMOUTH can secure second place in the table once and for all with a win at Bovey Tracey.
Plymouth hold second place at the moment with Bovey 18 points behind in third.
Bovey were third last year, the year before and the one before that! If they lose tomorrow it will be four in a row!
Plymouth have not finished as high as second since 1987 – before or since.
“We want to beat Bovey to ensure we remain in second,” said Plymouth skipper Matt Hooper.
“It is a difficult place to bat so the guys know they will have to apply themselves.
“They are an experienced side but I have been impressed with our ability to finish games off and get over the line.”

Bovey skipper Andy Fairbairn is an admirer of Plymouth’s way of doing things, not that he wants t finish behind them.

“If we want to finish second then we have to beat Plymouth,” said Fairbairn.

“Plymouth have had a great season and are deservedly second at the moment.

“Their younger players are maturing into match winning players and they showed that to us when they chased over 200 to beat us at their place earlier this year.

“They are a big city club who run four teams and do things the right way so good luck to them.

“We have had an enjoyable season and I will just tell my players to enjoy the three games we have left this year because it is always a long winter without cricket.”

TORQUAY can lose against Heathcoat – not that they will want to – and be sure of staying up if they take seven or more points out the meeting on the Recreation Ground.