Frontrunners Seaton and Ipplepen meet as B Division promotion race heats up

Ben Libby - back in Seaton

IPPLEPEN visit Seaton at Court Lane in the B Division’s match of the day.

Pens and Seaton are joint top of the table on 88 point and have Plymstock (85pts) breathing hard down their necks.

As Plymstock play Thorverton (5th), and fourth-placed Cullompton have no game, the picture at the top could change dramatically. 

Sam Wakeham, the Ipplepen captain, has a good idea what lies ahead.

“It is always a tough game away to Seaton,” said Wakeham. “I am not sure we have beaten them for a while.

“We feel like we are playing some pretty good cricket at the moment and hopefully we can continue to do so.

“It is a big game for both teams as a win for either could see a gap develop at the top of the table, depending on other results.”

Seaton captain Ben Morgan said his side are aiming for a third straight win.

“Looking to continue the winning run before our week off, but expecting a tough game against Ipplepen, whom we have again had some very good games against over the last couple of years,” said Morgan.

Ben Libby returns to the Seaton first team after missing the win over Thorverton. Niall Waterhouse goes into the 2nd XI to have a bat and a bowl.

Mawgan Penrice replaces the unavailable Tom Durman for Ipplepen.

Thorverton have been up one week and down the next this season, which is on the mind of skipper Andy Pitt after the defeat by Seaton.

“We've got to give a much better account of ourselves than we did last week - and the players know that,” said Pitt.

Plymstock, who have a game in hand on the two teams above them, have yet to hit top gear this season. At least that’s how vice-captain James Nicholls sees it.

“In most of our games this year we have got two of the three elements right,” said Nicholls. 

“If we can bring them all together, then we will be a very dangerous side. 

"We know we have to perform if we are to get a result and we are ready for another very tough fixture.”

Seamer Rob Cunningham is fit again after injury and returns to the Plymstock side.  Charles O’Higgins comes in for last season’s captain Charles Martin.

Keeper-batter Harry Choules is back in for Thors. Ben Sapiecha drops out.

Chudleigh host Bovey Tracey II in a basement battle at Kate Brook.

In a division with one relegation place this season, Chudleigh are among three clubs separated by six points at the bottom.

As Bovey Tracey are one of the others, the significance of the game is easy to spot.

“A win this week will release some pressure on the team,” said skipper Matt Heather.

“We are keen to correct our mistakes from last Saturday and put in a good performance in all areas.”

Chudleigh lost at Ipplepen with more than 15 overs to spare last time out.

Batters Ed Foreman and Alex Haywood are back in the team. 

Kilmington, who have lost three of their last four games, are at home to bottom side Brixham.

“We will have a few people playing with injuries still, but looking stronger side than recent weeks,” said skipper Brett Garner.

“Need to get a team performance together and try get our season back on track weather permitting obviously after this week’s rain.”