BOVEY Tracey skipper Toby Codd believes the next three games are likely to define his side’s season.
Bovey embarrassing nine-wicket defeat by Exmouth last Saturday was their fifth loss on the trot and left them three points and two places (7th) above the dreaded drop zone.
The next three games are Exeter (5th), Sandford (9th) and Torquay (8th), all of which are double pointers in Bovey Tracey’s position.
Codd was positive against Exmouth, he won the toss and batted, but after being bowled out for 72 in the 31stover he is considering a rethink.
Bovey have been all out for 109 (Sidmouth), 54 (North Devon), 121 (Heathcoat) and now 72 (Exmouth).
“I won the toss, decided to bat and we were 40 for six,” said Codd.
“It is a long way back from 40 for six and you need something special to do it. You don’t win many games batting first from 40 for six.
“Exmouth bowled well but we were guilty of playing some poor shots.
“Having had that great run of six wins in a row, we are right back in it now.
“The next three games are going to be crucial and we need to start performing now.”
Ben Ellis (5-17) and veteran Sean Day (3-9) were the men of the moment with the ball for Exmouth. There were more extras (29) than any individual scored with the bat.
Exmouth lost Ellis (31) at 40, which left James Horler and skipper Andrew Buzza to tie up the loose ends with a brace of 16s.
It was Exmouth’s fourth win in the last five league starts and gave them a 17-point breathing space in the relegation battle.
Day prefers second-team cricket these days, but did not disappoint when Buzza needed an opening bowler.
“Sean gave us a control from one end,” said Buzza. “He shaped the ball beautifully and Bovey didn't have an answer.
“Ben ran in and hit a hard length to score off. We built pressure and maintained it.
“The pitch helped us yet if I won the toss I would have also batted.
“Knocking the score off was a touch scratchy, yet never in doubt.”
