By CONRAD SUTCLIFFE
PLYMOUTH 2nd XI and Stoke Gabriel clash again in the first semi-final (10am) of the Corinthian Cup festival day at Ivybridge tomorrow with both sides anxious to avoid a repeat of their last league meeting.
It’s barely two weeks since Plymouth defeated Stoke by just one run in a C West nail-biter at Mount Wise between two sides chasing promotion.
Stoke needed 14 run to win from the final over and could only rustle-up 12 of them.
That game has left a impression on Plymouth captain Jimmy Haffenden, who said: “A few of us were recently involved in the league game that we won by one run so we know what we're up against and hoping that we come out on the right side of the result again.
“We've made four changes from the side that defeated Bovey Tracey in the quarter final: Dave Burke, Pete Evans, Adi Sanapala and Sam Knapman replace Sam White, Phil Taylor, Matt Bryne and Tom West.
“Fingers crossed the weather allows a full day of cricket for all sides.”
Jack Tolley, the Stoke captain, feels Plymouth will find his side a different proposition in the cup.
“Plymouth played well when we played them a few weeks ago and we know we are in for a tough game,” said Tolley.
“But from that game we have Mike Meech and Dan Bullock back, although Andy Kingdon is unavailable.
“Anything can happen in T20 but if we execute our skills we'll we have a good chance.”
Thorverton, gunning for promotion from the B Division, will be favourites against Sampford Peverell & Tiverton from two divisions lower, which is a not a worry for SP&T captain Joe Parkinson.
“We do not know much about Thorverton as they play a couple divisions above us, however we will go with nothing to lose and hopefully spring a shock,” said Parkinson.
Harry Southgate (Devon), Jack Bradbury (coaching)and Tim Hill (injured) are all unavailable, but Lewis Hough returns from a broken finger.”
Thorverton have reached finals day the hard way and having got there skipper Jake Choules won’t be content with just a semi-final slot.
“Having had some very tough draws in the earlier rounds - Sidmouth, Ivybridge, Kilmington and Paignton, none of which were at home, we are really looking forward to finals day,” said Choules.
“Never played against Sampford Peverell, but have heard good things about the club and they've had some impressive results in this competition so should be a good challenge.
“Having said that, we've got a strong side out and are full of confidence. Our bowling attack is full strength which includes 18-year-old George Daldroph, who has really impressed in this competition.
“Batting wise we have most of the usual suspects available including Dave Baldock who has two 50s in the comp. Fielder, Hooper and Chilcott are probably the most notable absentees.
“Let's hope the weather holds as it usually rains when we go to Ivybridge.”
