Ryan Bougourd – back for Bovey against Cullompton<br>credit: https://www.flickr.com/photos/marklucylockett/albums/72157715113321448/with/50119080137/

PREMIER SOUTH AND PREMIER WEST By CONRAD SUTCLIFFE

CAN Cullompton do it again when Bovey Tracey visit Landspeed Meadow in Premier Central?

Cullompton sprung a shock on Exeter last time out by winning on the County Ground – a quite an achievement for a club playing B Division cricket last summer.

Jason Parr, the Cullompton captain, is too canny to stick his neck out that far. But he has confidence in his side to compete with established Premier sides.

“Expecting another very hard game against tough opposition,” said Parr.

“We've got a very tough draw for this short season but it's really exciting to have a go at some of the top sides in Devon.

“A few of our lads seem to have found some form and if we can do the basics well then we'll give ourselves chances to get into the game.”

Toby Codd, the Bovey captain, saw Cullompton result against Exeter and anticipates a tough game ahead.

Bovey were rained off against Bradninch in round one, which puts pressure on them to pick up some points now.

“It's a big game for us because of how last week played out,” said Codd. “It's important that we start well.”

James White, the Devon age-group player, makes his debut in the early order for Bovey having arrived from Tavistock.

“James is a great addition to the club and we're all excited to see what he can do,” said Codd.

Former Devon seamer Ryan Bougourd returns after injury and will share the new ball with current county paceman Hugo Whitlock.

“Ryan and Hugo look a really deadly opening combination and I'm looking forward to seeing them bowl together,” said Codd.

Cullompton show one change. Euan Tinley comes in to open the batting instead of Alex Clist. 

BRADNINCH captain Eliot Acton is wary of a backlash from EXETER following their defeat by Cullompton.

While Bradninch were being rained off against Bovey Tracey, Exeter were losing by four wickets to Cullompton in a rain-affected game.

Said Acton: “I imagine Exeter will be keen to bounce back from a surprising result so we are expecting a very tough game and hoping the weather makes it a good day for all.”

Bradninch have availability issues this week and Acton said the available talent might be spread around to get two reasonable teams out.

PLYMPTON welcome back an old face for the derby date against PLYMOUTH at Harewood Park in PREMIER WEST

Batter Duncan Hefford is poised to play his first proper game of cricket for at least five years, which is great news for Plympton captain Justin Wubbeling.Steve Luffman, who is back behind the stumps for Plymouth tomorrow

“Watching Duncan in the nets, it definitely doesn't look like he has been out for five years,” said Wubbeling.

Both Caunter brothers are missing for the game against Plymouth, although Wubbeling is confident there is the depth to cover for them.

“We have exciting young talent in our side and I see this tournament a prime opportunity for them to test themselves against good-quality opposition,” said Wubbeling.

“They have already proved to us that they are quality players in the A Division and I look forward to a good, competitive game of cricket against Plymouth this weekend.”

Plymouth, rained off against Cornwood first time out, have one significant absentee in the shape of keeper Dan Robotham.

“Dan is missing through work so Steve Luffman steps in to keep,” said skipper Jon Varcoe.

“We are pretty much full strength and the lads are itching to go after the rain off last weekend.”

PAIGNTON go to CORNWOOD with 20 points in the bag following last Saturday’s cancelled game against Plympton, who conceded the fixture rather than face an open-ended wait for the match to begin.

George Benton, the Paignton captain, is looking forward to seeing what his largely young side is capable of.

“Will be a time for the youngsters to showcase what they can do,” said Benton. 

“I am sure Cornwood will be strong and will be tough, but we know our strengths and we are confident in our ability to get the job done.”