North Devon give Gibbs a go against Exeter

North Devon CC. Back (l/r): Max Curtis, Ed Yeo, Matt Westaway, Barney Huxtable, Joe Kelly, Tom Ansell; front: Josh King, John Green, Jack Hockin, Brett Mason, Dan Bowser

NORTH Devon are giving Jack Gibbs a go in their game against Exeter.

Gibbs, a Devon U16 player, was talent spotted by Devon Lions recently and played in the Development game against Dorset Leopards last Sunday.

Ross Clayton makes way for seam bowler Gibbs, whose improvement this season has impressed captain Barney Huxtable.

North Devon have been hit-and-miss at times this season, but have won two of the last three having outscored Brixham last week.

“Jack has been bowling really well in the second team and has been picked up by the Lions, which is great for Jack and us as a club,” said Huxtable.

“He has grown since last year and put on pace.”

“We played some good cricket in parts last week and we are looking to improve on that,” said Huxtable.

Having beaten Plymouth last time out, Exeter are fourth in the latest table, but are mathematically closer to the second relegation place than the top.

One definite change to the side sees Andy Mead in the attack instead of Pete Hensor.

Skipper Miles Lenygon will have his fingers crossed that Somerset trio Ben Green, Dom Bess and Ollie Sale all return from T20 duty against Hants at Southampton in time to play.

EXMOUTH entertain form side Heathcoat in the Premier Division’s clash of the chasers on Saturday.

Sidmouth are out in front at the top of the table – 30 points and counting after defeating Exmouth last time out.

Second-placed Heathcoat, winners over North Devon, then Exmouth a further three points behind are the best of the rest.

Sidmouth are closing fast on the point where they are knocking the chasing clubs out of the equation.

Exmouth know they can’t afford to lose again in a hurry to stay in touch – and Heathcoat would find it hard making up lost ground if they lose this Saturday.

So there is plenty at stake at the Maer as the losers are likely to be consigned to the ranks of the also rans.

Barnes, whose side have won three on the trot on the way to second in the table, is oozing optimism going into the game.

“We need to win this game, to put a gap between ourselves and Exmouth,” said Barnes.

“We have played good cricket for a while now, but never want to underestimate Exmouth as they are a really experienced team with good players.

“I've got a good feeling this is going to be a really close game.”

Baggs has looked at the table and the fixture list and feels there is plenty to play for.

“With 120 points up for grabs if we can win all our remaining games you never know,” said Baggs.

“We want to finish as high as possible, if not top then we want second.

“There is a lot of cricket to be played yet and we have got to pick ourselves up after last week.”