THE B Division promotion picture may be a little clearer after tomorrow’s round of fixtures.
Joint leaders Barton go away to Cullompton looking to get over a defeat by Tavistock last time out.
One consequence of losing to Tavistock was that Seaton went level on points with Barton at the top of the table.
Another was Tavistock moved within 18 points of the joint leaders with four games to go.
Seaton are away to Tavistock tomorrow, their chance to put some distance between themselves and the Moorlanders in the promotion struggle.
Seven days later Barton host Seaton in another promotion slug-out.
No wonder Barton skipper Adam Parker said: “Two massive weeks coming up for us that will play a big part in where we finish come the end of the season.”
He added: We need to bounce back from our first really disappointing performance last week.
“Our bowling wasn't too far wrong and they batted very well. We did not respond well with the bat and need to get back on track this week.”
Spinner Stuart Bowker and batter Scott Bellamy are missing tomorrow. Simon Edwards and Sean Adderley come in.”
Cullompton will be under the new leadership of big-hitter Brendon Parr, who has taken over from James Blackmore as the club prepares for next season.
Seaton will be unchanged for the third week running when they go to the Ring.
Skipper Ben Morgan said: “Having lost to them at home we are expecting a tough game.
He added: “We have been playing some good cricket and looking to keep the run going.”
“There’s no denying that the next two games now define our whole season. “Tavistock turned us over in royal fashion at our place earlier in the campaign and they are without doubt the best side we have faced this year – and arguably in a number of years.”
“We go into every game looking to win and it will be no different at Tavistock.”
Tavistock won at Barton without skipper Shaun Daymond, batter Ian Gray, spinner Sean Cleave and seamer James McGahey. All four return. Missing are
Billy Barriball, Matt Witcher and Jonty Newton.
Said Daymond: :It should be a good game.
“Seaton are a good tough all round side so looking forward to a big game.
“Let's hope the weather doesn't get in the way.”
Thorverton and Shobrooke Park meet in a mid-Devon derby at Station Road that is probably more important for the latter than the former given the club’s respective league positions.
Babbacombe, still clinging on to hopes of survival after beating Plymstock last time out, have a do-or-die game at Ipplepen. Lose it and hopes of staying up will recede again.
Babbacombe welcome back batter Steve Lewis, all-rounder Andy McVeigh and Chris Mabbutt, who does a bit of both. Ian Sosnowski, Ben Passmore and the injured Steve Bowman don’t feature.
Filleigh, who have only won once in the last six games, make the long trip to Plymstock.
