Filleigh bowlers key to creating winning conditions says skipper Prideaux

SURPRISE leaders Filleigh make the short trip to Cullompton aiming for a sixth successive win in the B Division.

Filleigh defeated Plymstock by eight wickets last time out to stay three points clear of Barton at the top of the table.

Plymstock were bowled out for 171, which Filleigh knocked off with more than 13 overs to spare.

Simon Prideaux, the Filleigh captain, said suffocating Plymstock in the middle overs was a big factor in win number five.

“During the 18 overs bowled by John Hickman (2-19) and Ryan Bowden (1-16) it was so tight Plymstock really had to up the run rate in the last third,” said Prideaux.

Filleigh\'s table-topping captain Simon Prideaux“We took our chances, holding some good catches, and had some excellent death bowling by James Marsh (3-41), who showed all his variations.”

Filleigh are scoring runs through Justin Saker (ave 53.60), Harley Ashdown and Connor Nash, both averaging in the 30s, with Rob Collier (28.17) not far behind.

Nash (14wkts), Saker (9) and the miserly Hickman (14 at 11.64) are leading the bowing effort.

“Justin Saker is batting really well and Rob Collier is in the form of his life at the moment,” said Prideaux.

“We are on a great run and can hopefully keep it going on Saturday at Cullompton.”

Plymstock, at home to Thorverton are without skipper Charles Martin, whose spin-bowling role in the side will be filled by George Barnicott.

Seamer Syed Ali is away in business in Pakistan, which will mean more work for Plymouth’s remaining medium pacers.

Seaton skipper Ben Morgan makes three changes of personnel for the home game against Barton.

Batter Ed Hunt is away, bowling all-rounder Rob Prior has to work and Mike Double drops into the 2nd XI.

In come Ollie Pinnock, Ben Libby and the versatile George Harwood.

Barton skipper Adam Parker was happy to come away with a win against Cullompton last Saturday to bounce back from the defeat by Tavistock that cost his team top spot.

“We played well andagain a team effort got us the win,” said Parker.

“Still tweaks to be made in our game but it’s good we are getting wins this year when last year we may not have from certain positions we have been in.”

On the trip to Seaton he added: “It will be tough but we are looking to get on a good winning run now after the blip against Tavistock.” 

Babbacombe skipper Steve Broad hopes to return against Tavistock after missing the win over Ipplepen last Saturday with a hand injury.

Ipplepen and Shobrooke Park meet at Moor Road looking to get over defeats by Babbacombe and Thorverton respectively.