THE pressure is on Barton and Ivybridge to get a result in the basement clash with Ivybridge at Cricketfield Road.
Barton are bottom of the table without a win so far this season – and Ivybridge are three points ahead of them, also without a win.
Adam Parker, the Barton captain, knows where his side’s problem lies: they are not scoring enough runs,
“We need to sort our batting out - and fast,” said Parker.
“We have to learn to value our wickets and be positive at the same time.”
Morgan Harford is away this week but Will Grainger, Stuart Bowker and Matt Needham are available.
“There could be changes to try and get the top 6-7 firing again,” warned Parker.
“If the weather holds out I am confident we can get our season going.”
Harry Solomon, the Ivybridge captain, was a little more succinct.
"It's a big game for both us and Barton, said Solomon.
Derek Solomon is back from holiday to keep wicket. All-rounder Chris Greenhouse steps up from the 2nd XI.
Leaders Cornwood face chasers Tavistock at Oak Park.
“Tavistock have been getting some good results recently so we are looking forward to another challenge,” said Cornwood skipper Matt Skeemer.
Ryan Rickard comes in as Owen Gannon is unavailable.
Bradninch will be without influential all-rounder Gary Chappell for the away game with lowly Abbotskerswell.
Skipper Eliot Acton, Connor Carthew and veteran seamer Paul Nott will all be absent at Two Mile Oak.
Tim Piper will skipper a side that will include Tallan Burns, Leon Horn, Will Squire and Craig Penberthy.
“It’s a good chance for some of the fringe players to step up and make selection very difficult over the next few weeks,” said Acton.
Abbots finished fourth last season. Despite their current losing run of five on the trot, Acton says Bradninch would be wise to treat them with respect.
“Abbots have had a bad run of results and some poor scores along the way so will be itching to put it right.
“I still think they are better than they are showing and we need to be wary.
“Need to make sure we aren't complacent and keep our standards high.
Noah Tobias comes in for Charlie Mitchell in the top half of the order in Abbots’ only change.
“We know it will be a tough game against Bradninch who are a team with proven performers at this level and above, but it is a challenge we are looking forward to,” said Abbots skipper Nick Watkin.
Hatherleigh can’t afford a third straight defeat when they meet second-placed Budleigh Salterton.
Back-to-back losses against Bradninch and Cornwood have dropped Hatherleigh down to fourth, 14 points shy off the second promotion place.
“This is a game we really need to win to stop the top two pulling away from us,” said Hatherleigh captain Mark Lake.
“There is a long way to go, but I am looking to get back on track and string a run of wins together”
Gareth Tidball returns to the top order which means Niall Leahy reverts to the 2ndXI.
Bideford, now 30 points clear of the drop spots after three wins in four starts, are at home to Plympton.
“Hoping the boys can carry the momentum we've built and put in as good a performance as last week,” said skipper Paul Heard, who led the side to victory over Abbotskerswell.
“I am out injured so Steve Bond returns and Tom Brend acts as captain.
“Ian Hayter, a late replacement last week, steps back to the 2ndXI and James Hayter returns.”
