LEWDOWN will be disappointed not to bounce back from their defeat by Chudleigh when they host Ipplepen.

Ipplepen have yet to win a game this season, but that does not make it a certainty for Lewdown skipper Tallan Burns.

Lewdown haven’t been on top form recently, as Burns recognises.

“For the last two or three games we haven't fielded or bowled well at all and a big score was always going to happen against us,” said Burns.

“However, we didn't bat well at all at Chudleigh which if we had, it could have been completely different.”

Burns said the players had talked things over and are bullish for the rest of the season.

“The last few weeks of bowling and fielding poorly are behind us,” he said.

“Ipplepen will be hungry for a result, but if we play proper cricket as we were a few weeks ago, I can't see us losing.”

HATHERLEIGH have every incentive to put one over on visiting Barton.

Mark Lake’s men are down in the bottom two after losing to Plympton last Saturday, but it’s crowded down there.

Plympton are only four points ahead and Barton a further nine away,

“It's another big game for both sides, said Lake.

“If we win we are more than likely go above Barton.

“Our games with Barton are normally tough and close and both teams have had success against each other in recent seasons.

“I expect a really tough game on Saturday but one I feel we can win and pull ourselves out of the bottom two.”

Gareth Tidball and Niall Leahy come in for Rob Cockwill and Tom Strawbridge, who are both unavailable. 

BRADNINCH entertain Paignton in a top-of-the-table game that could get a bit lively.

Only one side have defeated Bradninch this season and that was Paignton in the first half of the season.

Paignton are 37 points behind Bradninch now and know if they lose this Saturday the best they can probably hope for is contesting the runners-up spot.

Gary Chappell, who has taken over mid-season as captain from Tim Piper, said Bradninch won’t give Paignton anything if they can help it.

“Paignton are the only team to beat us this season, even though we were missing a few key players, so we know it will be a tough game,” said Chappell.

“They had an awful lot to say in that game and given the league positions all the pressure is on them.

“Even if we lose we'll be in an enviable position so we'll just play with the freedom that's brought us success this year.

“We're at full strength and looking forward to this one.”

Paignton's new captain Richard Ashworth feels his side are underdogs, though as Bradninch know underdogs can have a nasty nip.

"It is going to be a difficult game," said Ashworth.

"We know what a good side Bradninch are and they have not lost a game since the last time we played them.

"On the plus side we are the only team to beat them this season."

Stephen George replaces Noah Wright in the Paignton line-up.

SANDFORD have to pick themselves up after the disappointment of a last-over defeat at Paignton for the home game against Plympton.

Defeat droppe Sandford back to fifth in the table, 23 points behind second-placed Paignton in the tussle for the runners-up spot behind title favourites Bradninch.

Plympton are only four points clear of the relegation places and having a patchy season.

As Sandford are closer to Plympton (21pts) than Paignton (23), skipper Ryan Glass will be handling them with care.

“Plympton are a good side with some quality players who can change a game,” who probably has Hakeem Abdullah, Imran Ali Pasha and Josh Mailling in mind as the dangermen.

Shaun Hawkins is back in for Freddie Filor who gets a chance to bat in the 2nd XI.

CHUDLEIGH embark on a run of games skipper Ed Foreman believes will make or break their season when they visit Budlieigh.

Coming up are Ipplepen and Plympton at one end of the table – and Bradninch and Paignton at the other.

Chudleigh should be full of confidence after routing Lewdown by 81-runs last time out, but Foreman is among the more cautious captains around.

“We will look to play positively and hopefully we can cause an upset,” said Foreman.

“Budleigh will be a tough proposition. They are a top team in this division, whereas we are still finding out feet.

“This is the start of a very tough run of games for us.

“We need to focus on our targets and remember that every point will be crucial come the last day.”

Batter Shaun Newland is back in for Dan Coles.

Budleigh have been floating up and down the top half of the table all season – latterly down fourth after losing by five runs to leaders Bradninch.

Skipper Joel Murphy is in it to win it this season and still has ambitions of finishing second.

“The next three games are vitally important for us as they will decide if we finish second or fourth,” said Murphy.

“Chudleigh, Barton and Lewdown – all difficult teams to play or hard places to go.

“The division is very competitive this year and every point capable of making as difference.”