Devon Cricket Board - B Division

B Division - Top two clash

B DIVISION
THORVERTON take on Hatherleigh in the first-against-second clash in the B Division.
Thors have won three in a row and are two points clear of Hatherleigh, who were hundred per centers before drawing at Barton last time out.
No one has beaten Thorverton yet this season, but skipper Ali Fury believes his team still has more to give.
“Our main focus will be on the improvements we can make, and from a fielding and bowling point of view I'd like us to step things up another 20 per cent,’ said Fury.
Paul Fielder is back in which should strengthen the batting.
Fifth-placed Lewdown have opening bowler Phil Yeo back for the meeting with third-in-the-table Chudleigh.
Both sides ate tooking to gain ground on the leaders and Lewdown captain Charlie Hughes believes it will be a significant match.
“It is the nost important game of season so far as with the top two playing each other an opportunity for us to close gap, “ said Hughes
“Chudleigh will be thinking the same, so we know it will be a tough game.”
Barton go to lowly Tavistock looking to maintain the form which put them one wicket away from defeating Hatherleigh last time out.
Skipper Adam Parker has been pleased by the weekly improvement in the team his season, but isn’t satisfied with every department yet.
“Last week was a good result for us against a good team, but there I still room for improvement,” said Parker.
“We will be looking piece all our good work together in one game this week.
“We can't expect to win games when we are bowling do many extras.”
Tom Drake is at a family wedding so into the melting pot for selection are Andy Hele, Will Grainger, Shaun Needham, Adam Last and Andy McVeigh.
Alphington, seventh in the table, go to Dartington & Totnes where they will run into former overseas player Nathan Caton-Robertson at his new club.
The Alphas are hoping to bounce back from their defeat at Thoverton and skipper Paul James, who didn’t play against the leaders, feels some basic game management is needed.
“Not using all our overs and not being able to capitalise on the brilliant position our top order put us in was obviously an issue,” said James.
“Bowling, we need to find a way to try and contain sides a little more in those opening overs, but it was great to hear Tom Bath got four wickets and has some great rhythm with his bowling at the moment.
“In terms of our team I think we are a young side that is learning every game and hopefully this means we can keep building on and getting positive results.
“Obviously we are coming up against a former player in Nathan. He is an excellent bowler and we are all looking forward to the challenge of facing him.”
Tom Weeks, Andy Wilson, Matt Taylor and Anthony Shepherd leave the side while we welcome back James, Nick Ainscough, James Knight and Mike Gymer return.

Elsewhere, Barnstaple & Pilton host Axminster.

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