A DIVISION
Ivybridge (3rd) v Torquay & Kingskerswell (2nd)
Ivybridge (Jon Sparkes, team manager): Unchanged, other than Farzad Safi in for Adam who misses after his wife went into labour earlier than expected. We all send our love to Adam and Michelle. Harry Solomon stands in as captain. Jake Dunn still missing after being concussed playing rugby for Devon under-17s a couple of weeks ago.
Torquay & Kingskerswell (Harry Passenger): Availability a big issue this week; assuming half-term based. We’ve got a decent amount of depth throughout the club so hoping it shouldn’t make a massive issue. Ivybridge seem to have taken to the division really well so expecting a tough one. Looking forward to it.
North Devon (top) v Bridestowe & Belstone (7th)
North Devon (Jack Moore): Few missing this week. Navindu Vanderbona comes in to open after runs in the 2nd XI and Steff James (ex 1st XI skipper) has decided to start playing a bit more, which is really handy. Haven't been at our best in the first games which is a positive sign for us going forward. Excited to take part in the second biggest game in North Devon this weekend. Come on PSG!
Bridestowe & Belstone (Tallan Burns): Brandon Horn, Jack Hatton and Dale Chadwick all come into the team. We’ve played some good spells of cricket, but not for long enough periods. Hoping for stronger performances, starting from this weekend.
Thorverton (8th) v Kilmington (10th)
Thorverton (Jake Choules): Lots of experience back this week as Andy Pitt, Alex Jopling and Dan Robbins return. Freddie Fenner also makes his first appearance of the season. He was looking good pre-season. Feels like a big game already; just want some consistency as we look to build something brick by brick.
Kilmington (Oli Reed): Three changes from last week see Matt Pile, Sam Farrow and Matt Rockett all returning to the side, adding valuable depth to the batting order. We know what we need to improve - now it's just a case of applying it out on the pitch. Hopefully this game can kick-start our season but always a tough game against Thorverton! Expecting another good contest. Joe Elsworth has signed from Uplyme. Not around this weekend but has good availability going forward.
Heathcoat (4th) v Budleigh Salterton (5th)
Heathcoat (Jamie Drew): We are unchanged this week. Hopefully we can build on the win (over Bovey) last week and push on from there. Still a lot to improve on.
Budleigh Salterton (Ed Doble): Team remains unchanged and hoping to build on last weekend’s win over Cullompton.
Cullompton (9th) v Bovey Tracey (6th)
Bovey Tracey (Seb Ansley): Robert Pryke and Joe Forey out and I'm back in, along with a debut for Toby Hard (ex-of Abbotskerswell and Bradninch & Kentisbeare) which we're looking forward to. At the moment we seem to have taken our time to get into the season. Plenty of runs/wickets in the team but we need to show it now and put in back-to-back performances. By all accounts last match at Cullompton’s old ground so I'm sure they'll be happy to be losing fewer balls soon!
Cullompton: Same team as last weel. Looking forward to the opportunity to improve. Looking to put pressure back on bowlers with positive batting, and looking for a clinical performance in the field.
