Premier previews: Exeter have all three 'big guns' trained on Sidmouth + Whittaker helping out for Plymouth against Sandford

Callum Whittaker, who is guesting for Plymouth against Sandford tomorrow

EXETER are at home to old rivals Sidmouth this Saturday and will have batsman Harvey Sargent home from university to face his previous club.

The Exeter batting looks stronger as Sargent, Dom Tuohey and Somerset’s Ben Green are all back.

Middleton is not playing as he is required for a school match, which takes priority.

Sidmouth are still smarting from a five-wicket loss against previously winless Torquay, who knocked off 205 to win on the Fortfield.

Although Devon captain Alex Barrow made 97 there was little in the way of support as Sidmouth struggled to 204 all out. Barrow and Josh Bess (28) put on 63 for the first wicket in the greatest stand of the innings.

Sidmouth are going to be without captains past and present Luke and Zac Bess, which means club captain Nick Gingell will lead the side.

Jashan Patidar comes in as a new ball option as Tom Simmons is unavailable.  

Batsman Elliott Rice gets his chance after impressing in the 2nd XI. He scored a ton last Saturday.

“We are hoping Elliott might aid us in our quest to bat out the overs, something I think we have only done once or twice this season,” said Gingell.

“This time last week Jash was due to play in the 3rd XI until there was a late drop out.

“It is a good message that you never know when an opportunity might arise so take it while you can, as he did last week in the 2nd XI.”

Patidar took three for 33 in the 2nd XI’s win over Exeter 2nd XI.

Gingell concedes the side has been stronger this this season, but added: “I'm hoping for a repeat of the last time I took charge (Plymouth), when the senior guys really stood up. “

On the challenge of the match, Gingell said: “Exeter are a Jekyll-and-Hyde sort of side and if the their three big guns were available every week I would say they had enough to win this particular league.  

“If they play it may be a rare occasion over the last decade where we go in as underdogs.”

SANDFORD skipper Richard Foan is looking forward not back in the wake of a 77-run defeat by Bovey Tracey.

It’s Plymouth at home this Saturday, followed by a Servicemaster Devon T20 Cup quarter-final at home to wild card holders Cornwood.

Said Foan: “We are looking forward to a home game after two games on the road. 

“We have won one lost one so far this year so I guess we are due a win.

“We had a couple of tough games against Plymouth last year and don't expect anything different this week. We know their dangers and I am sure all the lads will be up for it after last week.

“Should be an exciting weekend with the T20 game on Sunday against Cornwood.”

PLYMOUTH are without injured keeper-batter Liam Winn so have coaxed former captain Callum Whittaker up from Cornwall to mind the stumps.

“I am not expecting Callum to be a regular fixture in the side, but happy to have him available this week,” said skipper Jon Varcoe.

“I'll also have to make a call on myself tomorrow after my shoulder injury in the game against Heathcoat.”

Plymouth are playing better away from Mount Wise, a point not lost on their captain.

“We have won two from two away from home and are looking to get another win on the boar,” he said.

GEORGE  Benton has a straightforward aim for the game between his table-topping Paignton side and bottom side North Devon.

“We are aiming to make it six from six,” said Benton.

“We aren't looking at the table we are concentrating on our own game and taking it Saturday by Saturday.

“We are confident in our own game but again we can still improve in certain areas.”

Rich Ashworth comes back into the side so Charlie ward drops back into the 2nd XI, so we are back to full strength.

North Devon have batter Ben Howe back from illness and bring in Josh Atkinson to after runs in the second team. James Tyson will keep wicket instead of the injured Richard Screech.

Tom Ansell has returned to London after a week at home. Jas Kalsi drops into the 2nd XI in search of some runs.

BOVEY Tracey have Devon batsman Josh Mailling back in duty for the game at Torquay.

Mailling broke bones in his hand fielding in a pre-season game for Devon and has been out for six week.

Former Devon captain Chris Bradley appears for the first time this season.

With Mailling back there is no place for Freddie Ford, who drops down to the second team for the first time since he arrived from Kingsbridge.

“Freddie has been a great addition this year and it is harsh on him not to play this week as he looks a very promising player in all three departments,” said Bovey skipper Toby Codd.

“Chris Bradley adds great experience on and off the field. He is still one of the most skillful bowlers in Devon and it's great to have him back.

“We go into Saturday full of confidence after three wins. However we won't underestimate Torquay as they are a dangerous side and have plenty of quality.”

Elsewhere, Heathcoat are at home to Exmouth, whose side will be stronger as batsman Chris Metters is available.