Torquay & Kingskerswell v Budleigh Salterton
Torquay & Kingskerswell (Harry Passenger): Back to some strength this week with a few lads returning. A special mention for Chris Kelmere being back in the fold, which is exciting. We all know how much he can impact a game. We’ve also had a good week of training and spirits are high around the group. The boys have responded well and there’s been a real positive feel about things, so hopefully we can get ourselves back to winning ways on Saturday. Budleigh are another side that seem to have taken to the division really well and have put together some performances, so we’re expecting a good battle.
Budleigh Salterton (Ed Doble): In comes Ollie Blakeman and Lloyd Murrin, after his 100 in the 2nd XI, for Max Mejzner and Sid Fereday. We've played some good cricket so far this season just need to be more consistent.
Kilmington v Ivybridge
Kilmington (Oli Reed): Two changes from last week, with Matt Reed and Tom Olive unavailable. Josh Cann returns to the squad, while Joe Elsworth is set to make his return debut for the club. We don't know too much about Ivybridge, but they've started the season well, so we're expecting a good contest. Hopefully the forecast holds off and we can get the game played.
Ivybridge (Jon Sparkes): Adam Huxtable missing after the birth of his little girl. Harry Solomon will continue to deputise as skipper. Jake Dunn is fit (after a rugby injury) so he’s back in for Farzad Safi, who will be in the 2nds XI. Looking forward to the trip to Kilmington. hopefully the weather is better in East Devon than it’s been in Ivybridge this week. Expecting a tough, high-scoring game at what is usually a decent batting track.
North Devon v Cullompton
North Devon (Jack Moore): Rick Wild, Nav Vanderbona and Steff James replaced by Jack Whittaker, Tom Ansell and Will Popham. As I've said, we haven't been at our best so far but have found ways to win, which is a good sign but also a method we don't want to make a habit. Cullompton will poise plenty of threats but just hoping the weather holds off for a proper game of cricket.
Cullompton (Dan King): A few changes this week for the trip up to North Devon. Joseph, Vincent, and Everett, and Gillam all out. So a few players get opportunities. Looking forward to building on a strong home performance last week.
Bridestowe & Belstone v Heathcoat
Bridestowe & Belstone (Craig Penberthy): Four changes see Simon Gillespie, Tom Pengelly, Tom Fogerty and Ryan Dennis all back in with Tallan Burns (injured), Callum Mallett, Dale Chadwick and Sam Ewen all missing out. We know we haven’t been at our best yet in all three formats despite showing glimpses in games of what we can do. We know where we need to improve and need to start performing in all three departments if we’re going to start seeing better results and challenging better in the division. Fingers crossed the weather holds off and we’re able to get our first game of the season in at Millaton.
Heathcoat (Jamie Drew): One change this week, Will Edwards comes in to replace the unavailable Will Bucknell. Hopefully the weather can hold off and we can get a decent game in.
Bovey Tracey v Thorverton
Bovey Tracey (Seb Ansley): Rob Pryke, Harry Mount and Ollie Clifford-Bourne back in, just finalising make-up of the team. Fingers crossed for a game, let's hope for a repeat of the home fixture result last year.* All excited to hear it's a Jackie Bradley tea. It is memorial day for Pat Collings.
*Bovey Tracey defeated Thorverton by seven wickets in the corresponding game last season, avenging an eight-wicket loss first time round.
Thorverton (Jake Choules): This week was always due to be a tough one for availability, making the last couple of loses even harder to stomach. However, great commitment this week from a few of the lads to change plans, they deserve some star treatment. Plenty of match winners in the side weather permitting. Bobby Heard and Stu Tait have changed plans to play. Also in is veteran batter and occasional partnership breaker Dave Baldock.
[O] Editor’s note. Pat Collings was a Bovey Tracey life member who died recently. He had a 25-year association with the club, latterly as a volunteer helper working on the ground.
