BOVEY Tracey skipper Toby Codd hopes to build on the win over Torquay that moved his side out of the bottom two in the game at Paignton.
While second-placed Paignton will be doing their best to stay in the title race, a difficult task after they were rained off at North Devon last Saturday while leaders Heathcoat were defeating Exmouth, Bovey are aiming to stay out of the relegation places.
A win over bottom side Torquay was the boost Bovey needed, but with just six points between them and the danger zone that could change overnight.
Paignton have only lost three times this season, but as one of those losses was against Bovey they have no room for complacency.
“We know it'll be tough against Paignton but we beat them last time so don't see why we can't do it again,” said Codd.
“We are looking to take the spirit we showed from last week into this week’s game.”
George Benton, the Paignton captain, acknowledged the threat posed by Bovey but prefers to concentrate on his side’s strengths and objectives.
“These last three games a massive for us chasing Heathcoat and Bovey avoiding the A Division,” said Benton.
“We've got to be performing throughout against Bovey and get a good result.
“We know what Bovey bring and we know what we need to do.”
Former Devon captain and off-spinner Chris Bradley remains in the Bovey side and ex-county seamer Ryan Bougourd returns. With Codd and Hugo Whitlock in the armoury, the attack is bristling with Minor County experience.
“Our bowling attack looks seriously strong and we are all excited for this week’s game,” said Codd.
Batter Connor Bryan and seamer Stephen George replace youngster Archie Farkins and batter Noah Wright in the Paignton XI.
EXMOUTH, who are 22 points clear of the bottom two, face Exeter on the County Ground in a game both would like to win for security purposes.
Exeter are only five points further up the league rankings and both could be hauled into the relegation battle.
Exmouth’s position is the more precarious of the two as they still have to play Sandford and Torquay, sides who are both below them.
Exmouth appeared to be heading for safety during a run of five wins in six starts, but defeats by Paignton the Heathcoat slowed them up.
Exeter have only won twice in six starts since the halfway stage of the season.
Andy Buzza, the Exmouth skipper, said: “Exeter have had a similar season of ups and downs to us.
“Both teams know one more win will all but secure safety and that’s what we are looking for.
“We have wasted opportunities over the last two weeks and have learned valuable lessons from them.”
George Greenway comes back into the side for the absent Ellis.
Exeter’s side will be stronger for the availability of Somerset’s Ben Green and skipper Tom Pedel is waiting on confirmation from Taunton that Tom Lammonby and Nathan Gilchrist will be cleared to play.
Both spinners – Dom Tuohey and Ed Middleton are also available.
Exeter were on the wrong end in a low-scoring affair with Sidmouth last Saturday, not that Pedel is reading much into that.
“We came close last week to a good win – didn't quite manage to pull it off – but we have come out on the right side of a few close ones in recent weeks,’ said Pedel
“We have a strong side out this Saturday and it should be a good opportunity to get another home win before the season ends.”
PLYMOUTH won’t be going down this season but could have a say in who does.
The city side’s last three games are bottom side Torquay tomorrow, second-bottom North Devon and Bovey Tracey to finish – three of the bottom four sides.
“We have a big part to play in the relegation battle over the next few weeks so know every game will be tough,” said skipper Jon Varcoe.
“We are in positive mood after last week’s win over Sandford and will be looking to gain all 20 points on Saturday.”
Jack Hughes is promoted into the first team after a five-wicket match for the 2nd XI.
NORTH Devon skipper Tom Popham has written off the wash-out against Paignton as his side resume their Premier fight for survival.
Not playing against Paignton meant North Devon dropped back into the second relegation place alongside Torquay.
When Sidmouth visit Instow tomorrow North Devon start seven points adrift of safety.
“Obviously last week’s rain off didn’t do us many favours, but that’s out of our control,” said Popham.
“We knew going into these games that they are all ‘must-win’s anyway, so nothing has changed in that respect.”
Keeper-batter James Tyson is out due to injury so Rob Ayre, at 48 the second-oldest player in the Premier Division behind Plymouth’s Steve Luffman will keep and Fred King is recalled to the side.
Sidmouth have been chopping and changing sides since midway through the first month of the season – and nothing has changed for them either.
The first team welcome back a few runs and wickets in the form of Will Murray and Josh Bess.
Nick Gingell, the club captain who has missed the last three games, drops down to the 3rdXI on his return.
“It was my idea as it allows the young ones to stay in the teams above,” said Gingell.
“I've been away for weeks and can’t play again next week.
“Hopefully now people are beginning to see what I meant at start of the summer when I said it was going to be a funny old season….”
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