TORQUAY skipper Justin Yau wants to see more application from the batters when his side visit Exmouth.
Back-to-back games against the top two – Torquay lost to leaders Bovey last Saturday – are a challenge for Yau’s men, one he wants them to step up to.
“We need to score more runs this week and batters need to take more responsibility and take pride in putting a high price on their wicket,” said Yau.
“There were too many soft dismissals against Bovey and with availability improving we have places up for grabs.”
On the challenge of the match, Yau said: “We are really looking forward to playing Exmouth, who have started fast this year.
“They have bags of experience in their side and have some legends of the league playing for them.”
George Allen, who took a first-day ton off Bradninch, is unavailable so Josh Hunt comes in.
Exmouth expect to be unchanged with pacer Sam Harris and batter Finlay Marks reporting fit despite minor injuries.
Skipper Richard Baggs, one of the ‘legends’ Yau referred to, said: “I see a very tough game and I think the weather could unfortunately play its part.
"Looking for more stability from myself and middle order and bowlers to continue their form.
"Torquay have some dangerous players who fight hard and a good spirit. I'm really looking forward to the game.
Exeter, who have yet to win a game, expect to have Somerset pair Dom Bess and Ben Green in the side visiting Heathcoat.
“Heathcoat look a strong side this season so it will be tough to get a result,” said Exeter skipper Miles Lenygon.
Devon batter Jack Dart returns for Heathcoat, as does pacer Matt Hague - some good news for skipper Peter Randerson as batter Simon Sobczak and spinner Jack Menheneott face a month on the sidelines with injuries.
“Exeter will be tough,” said Randerson. “Let’s hope the game isn’t spoiled by the rain.”
PLYMOUTH skipper Sam Stein wants to maintain the momentum generated by defeating Exeter for the Mount Wise meeting with Paignton.
Fiazan Riaz scored a century as Plymouth made 352 for six, then Dave Burke (3-30) and Fahad Ali (2-31) set-up a run-rate win in the rain.
“We had a brilliant turn around from the first game of the season against Heathcoat,” said Stein, who is back in the attack after injury.
“Not everything is in place yet but we are getting there.
“It's good to see that we are moving forward and individuals are putting their hands up.
We are aware that Paignton have come up and it looks like they are playing some good cricket, but we are more than up for the challenge, hoping to make it two wins on the bounce.”
Paignton came a cropper on the chase against Exmouth last Saturday.
Skipper Richard Ashworth isn’t unduly concerned, especially as reinforcements have arrived.
Tristan Coetzee had domestic commitments at home, which are now complete
“It's great to finally have Tristan over from South Africa and we're looking forward to seeing him with the bat on Saturday,” said Ashworth.
“It’s another tough game for us at Plymouth, who had a very good result last week. They seem to have found a very good overseas player.
“Bowling wise we've been very good in the first two games and I think with the rain around this week the pitch is going to suit our bowling attack.
“Batting wise we just need a bit more application and determination.”
CHALLENGERS meet champions on the Fortfield where Bovey Tracey take on Sidmouth.
Bovey have won both their games so far and head the table by a fraction from Exmouth.
Defending champions Sidmouth bounced back from losing to Paignton on day one with a run-rate win over Bradninch last Saturday.
Bovey have got off to good starts before – last season they were top after six games – but getting there and staying there are two different things.
Skipper Peter Bradley knows if Bovey win at Sidmouth they can be considered championship material.
“We take a bit of confidence and form from the last two wins, but know this will be a step up,” said Bradley.
“We look forward to it and hope to get across the line for the first time in a long time on the Fortfield.”
You don’t want to change a winning line up if you can help it, but Bradley has no choice tomorrow.
Chris Bradley, the captain’s brother, is taking a week off to attend a Viking convention in the north-east.
Keeper-batter Lewis Hammett, one of the stars of the win over Torquay last Saturday, is on a stag weekend and can’t avoid it as he is best man.
Opener Josh Mailling has final exams at university on Monday, so won't travel
Definitely in is Tom Andrew, who is now available after his exam period.
Devon age-group player Sam Taylor is expected to wear the gloves.
Luke Jongwe, the Zimbabwean international signed for the season, has now been registered and will play if his visa is in order.
“It's great to be missing three players, but still be able to bring in strong replacements,” said Bradley.
Sidmouth plan to put out the same team that won at Bradninch.
“Look forward to what should be a tough game,” said skipper Luke Bess.
“We know where we need to improve and we will be striving to do that.”
