By CONRAD SUTCLIFFE
TORQUAY old boys Neil Hancock and Marcus Green can’t wait to get stuck into tomorrow’s Tier Two play-off final on the Recreation Ground.
Hancock and Green might be in the away dressing room with current club Ipplepen, but both have strong attachments to Torquay years after leaving for pastures new.
Both were members of Torquay side that won the Premier Division title for the first time in a generation back in 1996 – and remain popular figures more than two decades later.
Tim Western and Mike Pugh are Torquay’s last survivors of the 1996 title-winning team still playing 1st XI cricket, so it could be reunions all round on match day.
Green and Hancock are Ipplepen almost to the core nowadays, both coach youngsters in the colts, but a little piece of them will always belong to Torquay.
“Torquay was the first club I played for when I came over from Australia in 1996 and I always enjoy going back there, said Hancock, who went on to play for and captain Devon during a run-laden and wicket-filled career in Premier cricket.
Said Green: “It is always nice to go home and play.”
Ipplepen won the South Two section of the Tier Two mini-league, edging out Dartington & Totnes in a straight fight for top spot.
Selection policy has been to give the youngsters a go, which Hancock and Green fully endorse.
“It has been good to be playing in a side with teenage lads – Georg Tapley and Toby Holroyd – and trying to help them through games like this,” said Green.
“They will learn a lot from Hanks maybe – not me – and the future is looking good at the club.”
Hancock has played in some good company in his time with Somerset, Devon, Sidmouth and others and is impressed with what is going on at Moor Road.
“We are developing a capable side that manages to make decent scores and defend them,” said Hancock.
“There are no out-and-out stars, just plenty of players who chip in.”
Hancock said Tapley, a 14-year-old new-ball bowler, is one to keep an eye on as he gets older.
“As young George gets bigger and stronger his bowling should get faster,” said Hancock.
Pugh, now director of development at Torquay and a part-time player, has had to delay naming his side due to availability issues.
The truncated season of league cricket was an exercise in player development for Torquay and Pugh feels it has been a success on that front.
“We are really looking forward to a good game and pleased for the lads to have another game as they continue to gel together,” said Pugh.
Ashley Harvey, the Ipplepen captain, is also looking forward to a tough game.
Harvey added: ““It will be a good test of where we are at as a team and a great opportunity for the younger lads, who've come in and taken B Division cricket in their stride, to see what the next level up is about.
“With good availability this week we've only made one change, Harry Lewis who is unavailable is replaced by Green.”
SKIPPER Steve Luffman hopes his young side will carry on doing what has got them to the final when Plymouth 2nd XI face Thorverton at Mount Wise in the Tier Two play-offs.
Last Saturday’s win over Dartington & Totnes booked Plymouth’s place in the final for second-placed teams in the six-game mini-league run by the Tolchards DCL during late July and August.
Teddy Haffenden, Ollie Parsons and John Kerridge are among the match-winners who got Plymouth to the final – and Luffman hopes they continue in the same manner.
“The youngsters have done brilliantly for us so far this season and I hope they continue to show us what good cricketers they are in the final,” said Luffman.
“The team is the same as the one that won the semi-final. In such a peculiar and short season, it is really nice to have a bit of a showpiece to finish on.
“The whole club is really looking forward to making a big day of it within the limits of the Covid restrictions.”
Thorverton, who were tipped as promotion challengers had the B Division gone ahead as planned this season, were runners-up behind Heathcoat 2nd XI in East One. They were awarded a walkover into the final by Abbotskerswell.
Players to watch out for from Plymouth’s perspective are tricky spinner Alex Jopling, seamer Ben Slaviero and batters Paul Fielder, Dan Robbins and skipper Andy Pitt.
George Daldorph, a young all-rounder, has been brought into the Thorverton side for his 1st XI debut.
“We're a bit light on batting and Ben Coe is playing as a batsman only due to a slight niggle but at full strength bowling wise other than that,” added Thors’ skipper Andy Pitt.
Luffman said he knows little about Thorverton’s key performers, but there is one thing he is confident about.
“Thorverton must be playing well to reach the final, and we'll give them every respect, but make no mistake, we intend to win,” said Luffman.
ELSEWHERE in the Tier Two play-offs, Bovey Tracey are in action twice. The 2ndXI are at home to Shobrooke Park while the 3rds go to Clyst St George.
