Devon Cricket Board - Premier preview

PREMIER DIVISION
EXMOUTH are set to give a debut West Indian left-arm pace Akeal Hosein when they visit Plymouth.
Exmouth misfired their way through the first couple of games, but it all came good against North Devon last time out.
Skipper Richard Baggs chose his words carefully when looking ahead to the game.
“I want us to buyild on last week's win, but Plymouth had a great win too so they will be confident going into the game,” said Baggs.
On Hosein he was less inhibited, warning Plymouth: “He is left-arm fast and proper quick.”
On a more serious note, Baggs said his team would miss playing against old adversary Dave Burke, who has not been very well recently.
“All of us at Exmouth send David our best wishes and we hope to see him on cricket pitch again soon,” said Baggs.
Ben Stein makes way for Andy Birkett in the Plymouth side.
But skipper Callum Whittaker said Stein – whose brother Sam also plays for the firsts – would get another chance.
The Plymouth skipper said: "We're gutted to leave Ben out, because he's a talented cricketer, but he will get plenty of chances in the future.”
Pasi Mawalage is unavailable, which means Plymouth will give a debut to another of their stable of first-teamers-in-waiting.
Jordan Hancock steps up from the seconds, who are in the second XI Premier Division.
Whittaker made it clear that they were not just throwing their less experienced players in at the deep end.
"We're overjoyed about being able to give Jordan a debut, because he's been doing well with the seconds," said Whittaker.
"I think he's going to do a great job with the firsts.”
NORTH Devon and Heathcoat clash at Instow in a basement battle which could be significant even at this early stage of the season.
Heathcoat are rock bottom on 13 points while defending champions North Devon, whose side is much altered from last season, occupy the second drop spot six points above them.
Heathcoat captain Chris Small said if his side’s position is going to improve the batsmen have to start delivering.
Said Small: “It is a huge game this weekend as don’t want to start falling behind the pack this early in the season.
“Twenties are no longer good enough. We need our batters to go on and get big scores.
“I felt we lacked pressure with the ball from both ends last week and will be looking for that against North Devon.”
North Devon captain Matt Dart has named the same side beaten at Exmouth last time out.
Dart remains upbeat despite three straight losses.
“I' am sure we are one win away from firing properly and getting are season under way,” said Dart.
BRADNINCH go to leaders Bovey Tracey knowing they will need to turn it on from ball one.
Bovey took over at the top from Bradninch last Saturday by doing better against Budleigh Salterton than their rivals did against Torquay.
Both teams are three from three so it is likely to be a no-holds-barred contest.
Bradninch have had to work for all of their wins and skipper Gary Chappell is aware they will be tested again.
“I am very impressed with the fight were showing this year and not giving up until it’s over,” said Chappell.
“In previous seasons the games against Exmouth and particularly Torquay last Saturday we would have given up and folded when we were staring down the barrel.
“We're finding ways of winning games when we're up against it, which is a great habit to get into and credit to the boys for their hard work.
“However, Bovey Tracey aren't going to let us off the hook so easily if they're on top so if we are going to come away with a win we have to be on top form.
“Bovey play their cricket in the right fashion and its no surprise to me they are prospering in the new win-lose format.
“They have strengthened this year and have a good balance and depth to their side, but are by no means unbeatable.
“Our bowling unit is working very well together, with every single bowler chipping in with key wickets, which is essential in this new format.
“If our batters do their job, we won’t be far away!”
Joe Webb is available this week and Billy Wakeley is back for the rest of the season. Out go Matt Jarrett and Bill Leathes.
SIDMOUTH skipper Will Murray has urged his bowlers to be on the spot from ball one in tomorrow’s tussle with Torquay on the Recreation Ground.
Plymouth battered Sidmouth’s attack for 316 last Saturday – the fourth-highest Premier score on record!
Murray accepted some of the blame himself, but as he only bowled 10 out of 50 overs added he was not alone.
“Either we bowled to full, or with too much width and were punished for it,” said Murray.
“Do that at Torquay where the boundaries aren’t that big, and we could get punished again.’
Sidmouth will be strengthened for their trip to the Recreation Ground by the inclusion of Liam Lewis for his first game since switching from Heathcoat.
A suspension carried over from last season has kept Lewis out until now, but Murray is glad to have him on board.
“As Liam bats and bowls it is like having two new players coming into the team,” said Murray.
Luke Bess is the unfortunate player who drops out.
“Unfortunately, he was the batsman in the top four who missed out against Plymouth,” said Murray.
Torquay also have a debutant in the side – Somerset spin bowler Max Waller, who is an old friend of captain Justin Yau.
“To have Max on board is huge for us as he will enhance all areas of our game and give us a stronger balance in our side,” said Yau.
“It has been unfortunate we haven't seen more of him as he has been selected in the County Championship four-day team in the last few weeks.
“Max is raring to go and brings a wealth of professionalism, experience and talent to our side.”
Yau is leaving selection late while he ponders, among other things, whether to promote Mawgan Penrice after his maiden century in the 2nd XI last Saturday.
SANDFORD, at home to Budleigh Salterton, hand a debut to David Dredge after some impressive displays in the 2nd XI.
Dredge, the son of Somerset legend Colin dredge, formerly played at Frome before moving to mid-Devon.
Keeper Chris Blake is away so George Greed will double up as batter and stumper with Dredge coming in as an additional all-rounder.
Budleigh have Devon pacer Charlie Morris playing again after he recovered from a broken finger. Opening batsman Neil Murrin is missing though as he is playing for Devon O50s against the Channel Islands in Jersey.
After last Saturday's reversal against Bovey Tracey, Budleigh skipper Joel Murphy is looking for a positive response from his side, and in particular the batsmen.
"Only two blokes have been scoring runs - James Burke and Gammy - and that won't do," said Murphy. "You can't rely on nine, ten and eleven to win games at this level."