Heathcoat out to lay Plymouth bogey + Dawson skippering Exmouth again

HEATHCOAT skipper Brad Barnes isn’t kidding when he describes Plymouth as his side’s ‘bogey’ team.

In two meetings last season Plymouth won by 23 runs and three runs home and away.

The previous season saw a rain-off and a four-run defeat in the game that was played.

Heathcoat are in a bit of form though – three wins on the trot after beating Cornwood last Saturday – and Barnes hopes that will count for something.

“Plymouth have been our bogey team for the last couple years,” said Barnes.

“Hopefully the momentum we've got will get us over the line this weekend.

“If we beat them in all facets of the game it's impossible to loose.”

There is sure to be a warm welcome back at Knightshayes for record-breaking Devon debutant Jamie Drew, who announced his arrival in Minor Counties cricket with a seven-wicket haul on Tuesday.

Drew, part of Devon’s development programme for the past couple of seasons, was a late selection in the team after Exeter’s Dom Bess dropped out.

His seven-for-15 haul against Herefordshire at Eastnor was the best debut bowling return by a Devon player. The old best of seven for 22 set by George Hawskworth was set way back in 1906.

Plymouth aren’t quite at full strength, not that acting captain Hamish Gardiner is too worried.

With young players like Joe Hagan-Burt earning a Devon call-up, and Hal Kerton and Dan Goodey banging on the door, Plymouth are in an enviable position.

“Despite a couple of unavailabilities, we have an experienced team ready to travel to Heathcoat,” said Gardiner.

“It is pleasing to see our younger players at the club stepping up and growing in confidence.

“We are really developing a healthy competition for places in the team.

“Players know that each match is a valuable opportunity to own their specific role.”

BOB Dawson is back in charge of Exmouth for their meeting with Bovey Tracey on the Maer Ground.

The former county captain deputized for Richard Baggs two weeks ago when Exmouth beat Cornwood and has been pressed into service again.

Long-serving Baggs didn’t expect to be skipper this season – he handed over to Gary Chappell towards the end of last season – but was re-engaged when Chappell left to return to Bradninch.

Baggs made his holiday plans based on taking the odd Saturday off, and it was too late to change them after Chappell left.

John Evernett, who smashed a rapid 80 in the defeat at Torquay last Saturday, is also absent.

Trevor Anning and Lawrence Greenway come into the side.

Exmouth lost despite making 274 for eight at Torquay, which Dawson felt was partly their own fault.

“It was galling to lose after Callum French (118no) and John Evernett (80) batted so well, but the track was good and the short third-man boundary on one side hard to defend,” said Dawson.

“Galhenhage got a good ton for them but we dropped him twice before 50 and had we taken either catch it was probably a different game.

“Bovey are a bit up and down this season and we will be looking to get back on track this week.”

Things can only get better for Bovey, bowled out for 68 by Exeter last Saturday.

Bovey were not far off full strength – no Lewis Hammett in the middle order didn’t help – but skipper Sam Hickinbottom is looking ahead rather than back.

“We are hoping to put last week behind us and get back to winning ways,” said Hickinbottom.

“Exmouth have had some good results of late so we know we need to be better than last week if we want to come out on top.”

Table-topping Sidmouth face defending champions Torquay conscious the season is reaching a crucial stage.

With second-placed Exeter to play next Saturday, Sidmouth have the chance to open up a lead if they beat both title rivals.

“It's a big two weeks for us now leading up to the halfway stage,” said skipper Luke Bess.

“In terms of the game, Torquay at home is an exciting prospect.”

Josh Bess isn’t available this Saturday, depleting the batting and bowling, but Sidmouth hope Harvey Sargent will be free of school commitments to play.

Exeter go to whipping boys Brixham boosted by the return of England U19 all-rounder Ben Green.

Green has missed much of the first half while completing A-level exams at Exeter School, but his return is well timed for the city side as they aim to smash the logjam at the top of the table.

Only 15 points separate seven clubs in one of the keenest title races for years.

“It will be great to have Ben for a good run of games,” said Exeter skipper Miles Lenygon.

Brixham have struggled all season since being promoted, slumping to 63 all out and a nine-wicket loss at Sidmouth last Saturday.

Exeter will be heavy favourites, not that Lenygon is taking much notice.

“As we have done well all season, we will focus on ourselves and our performance and not worry too much about the opposition,” said the Exeter captain.