Kenn skipper Mason explains his team's motivation in a division with no promotion places + D West round-up

Kenn batman Martin Swannell

KENN skipper James Mason has no worries about his side’s motivation this season – even though they won’t be going anywhere if the win the D Division West.

League clubs agreed to switch to an all-through league next season, doing away with the separation between 1st and 2nd XIs which has existed since 1975.

James MasonSecond teams will be filtered into the 1st XI competition from the regional C Divisions downwards based on finishing positions this summer.

A consequence of the change is no promotion from the D Division West this season, the division Kenn are currently top of with five wins in six outings.

Provided Kenn finish in the top three, they will be part of the new-look D Division West next season, along with a clutch of Premier and A Division 2nd XI teams.

At first glance it would appear Kenn are standing still, but that’s not how Mason sees it.

“The motivation is to build for the future and develop a happy squad that is enjoying their cricket,” said Mason.

“It's been a good start and I just want to build in a winning habit that is blended in with fun and enjoyment and a team ethos.

“It doesn't matter where you play or who you play for in Devon as essentially every player on a Saturday afternoon is doing so because they want to play competitive sport away from work or university or school and enjoy spending time collectively trying to do the best for their club.

“Escapism is what we do it for.

“I'm lucky as we have the best set of lads at Kenn - talented, motivated and cohesive.

Everyone wants the best for everyone and we celebrate every success. As a result we look forward to Saturdays, being together, playing good cricket and building for the future.

“Our motivation is always being as good as we can be, loving our cricket and ensuring it’s done in a way that all can grow.”

Kenn, who defeated St Marychurch by nine wickets last Saturday, play the same opposition again this week, at home this time.

Martin Hudson (19) was the lone Old Boys’ batter to reach double figures in a total of 43 all out in 23 overs.

Jack Thomas, the former Bovey Tracey and Chudleigh seamer, knocked over the top end on his way to three for 17.

James Mason, another old Bovey hand, had three for four running through the middle order.

And there were two wickets for Pete Chislett (2-8) to wrap things up.

Kenn needed 8.4 overs to complete their fifth win of the league season.

Ed Bragg (25no) and James Gosling (19) took Kenn within three runs of victory. Falk Koeller came in to see Kenn over the line.

EXWICK came a proper cropper against visiting Yelverton, who trounced them by 151 runs.

Geoff Brain (93) just missed out on a century and there were runs for Luke Juylan (45) in a Yelverton total of 206 for four in 40 overs.

Exwick slumped from 21 for two to 35 for seven in reply – Sam Crompton (2-3) and Christiaan van Niekerk (4-13) doing the damage – and were all out for 55,

Ray Gunsell (15) and Nick Rowe (12) had the only double-figure scores for Exwick, who will hope to do better in the rematch at Yelverton this Saturday.

CHELSTON & Kingskerswell’s game at Whitchurch was a non-starter.