Chudleigh have doubts over Clarke for basement clash with Kilmington

Bovey Tracey CC, where Thoverton are Saturday

CHUDLEIGH return to the fray in the B Division with an away game at Kilmington.

While second-bottom Chudleigh were taking a day off in the nine-team division last Saturday, bottom side Brixham lost at Seaton and are now 13 points adrift from one more game.

Chudleigh's Rob Clarke  Kilmington have had an up-and-down time since promotion, but were definitely on the up when they routed Cullompton by 10 wickets last Saturday.

Chudleigh skipper Matt Heather knows his side has a bit of a cushion over Brixham, but with seven games to go it needs plumping up a bit.

“It is a big game for us and we are looking for another win, to start climbing the table,” said Heather.

Chudleigh have good availability but off-spinner Rob Clarke is a doubt due to a groin injury.”

Kilmington skipper Brett Garner never gives much away as far as team news is concerned, but admits there are selection issues this week.

“Very bare bones this week with availability so we will go with what we have and hope we can get our batters going again,” said Garner.

“Confidence is good after last week so will try get a result.”

Third-placed Bovey Tracey are in the best form of anyone in the division having gone six games unbeaten.

Bovey will go second if they defeat Thorverton, at Ashburton Road tomorrow.

The situation looked a bit grim for Bovey a month into the season as they were propping up the table without a win.

Since then selection has stabilised as skipper Jeremy Christophers is seeing the benefits.

“The last few weeks we have been playing the kind of cricket that we've always wanted to in the B Division,” said Christophers. 

“At the start of the season, we simply were not getting the team on the pitch. 

“Now were going into games with a balanced side. Our bowling is predominantly based on different spin options and as the pitches are drying up, I don't think anyone is going to find it easy to feel comfortable batting against us.

“Bat in hand there is still room for improvement. “

Beating Plymstock by 80 runs last Saturday just shows the potential that the team has to beat anyone on our day.”

Bovey captain Jeremy ChristophersThorverton, who defeated Ipplepen last time out thanks in huge part to a century by David Baldock, are going to be without the injured Ben Coe. Jacob Broom comes into an otherwise unchanged side.

Ipplepen will be aiming to bounce back from that defeat by Thoverton away to bottom side Brixham.

Cullompton face a toughie as they are at home to leaders Seaton. 

Cullompton skipper Jason Parr is anxious to arrest his side’s slide down the table before they get any closer to the bottom.

“The last few weeks have been difficult, we haven't preformed at all well and have now lost three on the trot,” said Parr, who will command a full-strength side.

“I'm now just looking for us to enjoy the last six games and try pick up as many wins as we can. 

“Seaton always seem to bring the best out of us so I'm hoping that we will put in a much better performance this weekend.

“I'll be happy whatever the result as long as we make improvements from the last three weeks.”

Seaton show three changes. Joe Berry, Brian Cann and Josh Cann are back for Kersley Sutton, Richard Warner and Ollie Pinnock