Table-topping Devon unchanged for three-day date with Herefordshire at Eastnor | 'All eyes are focused on winning the title. It's unusual to be the only side with a win, which has put us in a great position' – skipper James Horler (pictured)

CONRAD SUTCLIFFE REPORTING

DEVON captain James Horler is looking to tighten the team’s hold on top spot in Western Division One with a win over Herefordshire at Eastnor (Sunday, 11am).

Devon went to the top of the Cluberley-sponsored three-day, National Counties competition earlier this week when they completed a six-wicket win over Cornwall at Cornwood.

Victory over Cornwall was enough to give Devon a narrow one-point lead over defending champions Berkshire at the top of the table.

In a five-team division there is seldom much between the teams from start to finish. Bottom side Herefordshire are only 12 points distant with 48 to play for.

Where Devon have an advantage is no one else has won a game – they are all draws – and immediate chasers Berkshire and Cornwall only have one game left and 24 points to play for.

If Devon win at Eastnor the only threat to them winning the division would come from Oxfordshire, who also have a game in hand.

If Oxfordshire lose to Berkshire at Thame, and Devon win at Eastnor, the final game of the season between the two at Sidmouth will probably be academic.

James Horler, the Devon captain, said he and the team have a clear vision of the task ahead.

“All eyes are focused on winning the title,” said Horler. “It's unusual to be the only side with a win, which has put us in a great position. 

“Being in such a strong position means we can go into Eastnor with winning momentum, and not have to play for survival, which is something that's always about in these divisions.”

Devon have not done a lot wrong in their first two games – weather ruined match one against Berkshire with Devon arguably on top when it ended – and Horler is largely pleased with the way the team is shaping up.

That does not mean there is no room for improvement, as Horler is quick to recognise.

“The group is developing really strongly, and the attitude and confidence as a unit is extremely high,” said Horler.

“Our bowling has been excellent, batting in parts also, but I would like to see us push on past 325 and claim maximum batting points, something we haven't done yet this season.”

With no injury or availability issues to contend with, Devon have named an unchanged side for the second game in a row.

Said Horler: “Work commitments, holidays etc mean It is always difficult for three-day games to put out unchanged teams so pleased to go up with the same side.”

Herefordshire coach Luke Sellers has made two changes to the side that was one wicket away from defeating Berkshire at Newbury on Tuesday.

Hasan Mahmood, who was unavailable for the trip to Berkshire last weekend, returns in place of Imaad Mahmood. Ollie Halion takes the place of Indiana Jerram.

Mahmood, a batter who bowls a bit in three-day cricket, made his debut earlier this season. Halion bats at the top of the order for Barnards Green in the Birmingham League. He has not featured since a rain-ruined game against Wales last season.

Herefordshire: M G Pardoe (capt), B J Chapman-Lilley, T R Cornall, O J Walker, H Mahmood, L A Tulacz, L J Powell, O B Halion, O J Langford, R B S Venkataraman, J W Rudge.  

Devon: J D Horler, E H Hamilton, M W Thompson, L S Walker, C H Harvey, S O Read. M P Skeemer, C D Penberthy J A Stephens, G E Greenway, L W Medlock.