Barrow back for Exeter + Exmouth parade signings

EXETER welcome back batter Alex Barrow for the top-of-the-table clash with new leaders Bovey Tracey.

Bovey’s win at North Devon last time out hoisted them to the top of the table.

It’s desperately tight at the top though with just eight points between Bovey and North Devon in fifth place. Exeter are seven points in arrears.George Greenway

Barrow missed the rained-off game against Torquay last time out, as did Dom Bess who was away on Devon duty. Both return.

Exeter skipper Miles Lenygon is well of the challenge ahead at Ashburton Road.

“Bovey are clearly playing good cricket this year and are always a tough side to beat, especially at home,” said Lenygon.

Lenygon said he was sad to lose George Greenway back to Exmouth after three seasons, but understood why he chose to go.

“It's a shame to lose George as he was a highly valued and extremely popular member of the club, whose work with the colts and midweek leagues was exemplary,” said Lenygon.

“He led our attack a number of times over the last three seasons and regularly put in great performances.  

“Unfortunately it was always going to be tough for him with the bowling options available this year and he struggled a bit early season.

“I do think we could have worked something out, but Exmouth have a strong side this year and it is clear to see there is a spot for George to fill with bat and ball in that side, a role I couldnt promise him at Exeter.

“On his day George is one of the best bowlers in the league and I very much hope he can get back to his best at Exmouth.”

Bovey Tracey won at North Devon without Devon all-rounder Matt Golding and former Zimbabwean U19 captain Malcolm Lake.

Skipper Sam Hickinbottom hopes to have both back against Exeter.

If that’s the case room will have to be found for 17-year-old batter Will Christophers, who came in as cover against North Devon and made 39 on his debut.

Hickinbottom has a healthy respect for Exeter, but still backs his side to win.

“Exeter look good this season with some experienced players,” said Hickinbottom.

“We have got good momentum behind us and are playing good cricket.

“All we can do is more of the same and hope we keep picking up results.”

EXMOUTH are poised to parade two new signings in the clash with defending champions Torquay.

George Greenway has rejoined Exmouth after leaving the club for Exeter three seasons ago.

Lawrence Greenway, George’s brother, returned from Bradninch two weeks ago now George has followed suit.

Exmouth skipper Richard Baggs said George will spearhead the attack against Torquay.

“While George has been at Exeter his bowling has come on significantly and I am delighted he has rejoined with his brother,” said Baggs.

“The Greenways live in Exmouth, came up through the youth and are the sort of players we want at the club.”

Exmouth’s other signing is South African Aaron Pool, an all-rounder looking trial with First Class counties this season.

Exmouth are still without batter Dan Pyle, who has school commitments, but are otherwise close to full strength.

With Exmouth and Sidmouth coming up on successive Saturdays, the season is boiling up for defending champions Torquay.

“We have a huge couple of weeks coming up which will shape our season,” said skipper Justin Yau, who returns to the side at the expense of Tim Western.

“Exmouth look in good form and we always have a good battle with them.

“Their line up is full of quality and we expect a tough game.|”

SIDMOUTH will aim to kick-on from their win at Plymouth when bottom side Brixham visit the Fortfield.

Saj Patidar - a wicket-taking ace in 1995Devon trio Charlie Miles, Zak Bess and Josh Bess all return to the team having been away with Devon in Cumberland last weekend.

It is a while since Sidmouth last played Brixham, the last time was 1995 when both were A Division teams, so it’s no wonder skipper Luke Bess describes the opposition as ‘an unknown quantity’.

He added: “We have been a little bit hit or miss this season and need to get some consistency into our game.”

For the record, 1995 was a good year for Sidmouth as they won the A Division in a photo finish with Budleigh Salterton, who also went up.

George Hammond was Sidmouth’s leading run getter with 595, closely followed by Anthony Griffiths with 514. Griffiths played last week in the win at Plymouth.

Sidmouth’s bowling effort was led by Saj Patidar with 33 wickets, Derek Middleton with 30, Hammond on 26 and Charlie Dibble with 25.

Brixham have snapped up 17 year old South African Bryce Allchin, who is set to make his club debut in the 2nd XI against Yelverton.

HEATHCOAT will be aiming to register a third straight win and put more distance between themselves and the wrong end of the table when second-bottom Cornwood visit Knightshayes.

“It is another big game, hopefully we can continue the momentum,” said skipper Brad Barnes.