Top two clash in B Division match of the day

SOMETHING has to give at Westward Ho! this afternoopn when top two Bideford and Plymstock come face to face.

The two sides are unbeaten after four games and level on points at the top.

Plymstock messed up promotion last season by stumbling in the final game against Chudleigh, who were already promoted.

Ian Whalley, speaking on behalf of the team in the absence of skipper Scott Mansfield, said the team is determined not to to the same thing again.

 “Last year, we just missed out on promotion by three points. We needed six from our last game and because of a bad result, missed out, so we want to do better than last year.”

He added: “Bideford and us both have 60 points from 60 points, if you take out the abandoned game.

“They are always a good side on their own ground, so we’re expecting a tricky test, because their ground suits them.”

Bideford are unchanged for the game.

Having won by a tiny margin against Ottery last time out, skipper Paul Heard knows another tough test is looming.

“We look to learn from last week’s positive result after a tough test,” said Heard.

“It gives us great confidence to know that our depth in both batting and bowling can give us the edge in tight matches.

“Plymstock won't be far from the top at the end of the season so we need to bring all our skills to the table.”

Ivybridge are hoping to gain ground on one of the top two as they are away to winless South Devon.

Gareth Andrews - in 1998Mark Andrews, also in 1988“We are looking for another big performance and 20 points - especially with top two playing each other,” said captain Kelvin Trent.

Chris Greenhouse is away and teenage opener Abraham Kopparambil is playing for Devon U14s against Hampshire.

Andy Johnson and josh Zimmerman-reappear which means the batting is and bowling options remain strong.

South Devon add some depth to the side by recalling former captains Mark Andrews and Mike Smith for Rob Stephens and Gareth Harris.

When Andrews skippered South Devon back in the 1990s, Ivybridge’s Gareth Andrews (no relation) was a team-mate.

The two batsmen still hold the record for the greatest first-wicket stand in the A Division – 275 against Hatherleigh in 1998.

Braunton, at home to Thorverton, show four changes from the side beaten at Shobrooke Park.

The two Robs – Collier and Paterson - are back while spinner Alex Hodges and Jon Higgs are available for the first time this term.

“Hopefully they give us some more options,” said Braunton captain Jon Baglow.

Thorverton lose James Hope and Harry Choules from the side that lost narrowly to Plymstock.

Sam Reddick and Luke Ashberry (student) come in. Paul Fielder will keep wicket.

Shobrooke are back from a week-long tour to Surrey for their trip to Tavistock.

Tavvy welcome back Ian Gray and Rob Milligan, but are missing a few bowlers as Dave Milligan, Mark Lewis and Chris Hutchins are all unavailable.

“Shobrooke have had a good start and have always given us a good game in the past so we are looking forward to a tough match,” said Tavvy captain Shaun Daymond.

The two promoted teams meet at Foxhole where Dartington & Totnes entertain Ottery St Mary.

Absent for Darts are Angus Wilson, Jo Hockings and skipper James Howrihane.

Will Gornall will lead the side and in come Andy Bligh, Matt Haw and Alex Hartridge