BRIXHAM, away to Bovey Tracey, are already looking ahead to next season when it looks inevitable they will be back in the A Division.

Lee Upham is captaining the side instead of former Devon batsman Andy Pugh, who has been assisting the 2nd XI for the past few weeks.

As the 2nd XI are chasing promotion in their division, having a player with nearly 6,000 Minor Counties runs to his name won’t harm them!

“Lee Upham has captained the last few games very well with the view of planning for next season,” said Brixham’s former Devon paceman Mark Orchard.

“Youngsters getting experience is great for the future of the club as they are benefitting from playing a quality standard of cricket week in week out.”

Brixham still only have one win on board, which was over Plymouth, but Orchard says they are more competitive now than earlier in the season.

“The last two weeks (Cornwood and North Devon) have been a bit more positive,” said Orchard

“We put two decent performances in and just didn’t got over the line.

“Against North Devon we put 270 on the board chasing me 330 which was encouraging - and last week we pegged Cornwood back from 120-2 at drinks and then 150-3 to 180 all out.

“It is really positive that the boys are showing the quality and application needed to recover.

“As in most of the season in the closer games we've had, we've just not had enough to get over the line.”

Brixham will have to make changes as all-rounder Craig Eaves and batters Simon Caunter and Jake Lawrence are absent.”

BOVEY Tracey are hoping to end their losing streak when bottom side Brixham visit Ashburton Road.

Bovey have gone five games without a win in the top flight – one was rained off – and are down to fourth from bottom.

Only 13 points separate Bovey from the relegation places after losing to Torquay last Saturday so a win is a must for skipper Sam Hickinbottom.

“We need to concentrate on picking up some key points,” said Hickinbottom.

“We know we're more than capable of getting results, just need to get in the right mindset.

“After a disappointing result last week, the lads seem fully focused for Saturday so I am hopeful a win will come our way.”

Bovey have to find a bowling replacement for Sam Thomas, who is on holiday.

“Sam will be missed as he has bowled well the past few weeks,” said Hickinbottom.