B Division Briefing – week five: Whitehead (pictured) adds firepower to Budleigh attack | Kendall targets first home win for Clyst
B DIVISION BRIEFING – WEEK FIVE
Clyst St George (5th) v Budleigh Salterton (2nd)
Clyst St George (Dan Kendall): Batsman Nathan Wells unfortunately has a broken finger. A replacement has yet to be confirmed. We've shown a great response to defeats so far; now we're desperate to get our first home win of the season against what will be a good Budleigh side.
Budleigh Salterton (Ed Doble): Sam Whitehead is back after a few weeks which is great news. Looking to follow up the last few weeks’ winning performances.
Bovey Tracey II (4th) v Ipplepen (9th)
Bovey Tracey (Dan Green): Selection difficult this week with so many available – the polar opposite to last week. It is a nice problem to have, but does mean some good players aren't getting a chance in 2nd XI this week. Ed Foreman and Sam Harvey are back in side, along with Chris Yabsley and Sam Russell. Ipplepen is always a great game and we look forward to it. Results for Ipplepen don't reflect the side they have they will be a tough opponent and we look forward to welcoming them to Bovey.
Ipplepen (Matt Beasant): Joe Parker is around so he comes in for James McMurray. who is unavailable. Another exciting youngster, Henry Alsop, comes in for his first XI debut after really impressing in the 2nd XI and in the Devon set-up. Looking forward to seeing what Henry can do against a tough opposition in good form with the bat. Our bowling and fielding hasn't quite been up to scratch yet, so will be hoping we can put that right this weekend. 
Abbotskerswell (8th) v Stoke Gabriel (7th)
Abbotskerswell (Toby Codd): We welcome our overseas player Anthony Miller to the club this weekend. Max Yates also comes in for Jamie Lock, who's broken his finger. Despite being a doubt earlier in the week, James Tyler is available. We've had a couple of tough results over the first four weeks, but everyone has stuck together and the atmosphere at the club is as good as ever. We know how quickly things change and we'll be looking to get a bit of a run going, starting from Stoke Gabriel this weekend.
Stoke Gabriel (Jack Tolley): After a great win last weekend we have Jack De-Vere and Sean Rooney dropping out as Isaac Withington and Mike Smith return to boost our bowling attack. Looking to keep playing positive cricket with bat and ball and keep pushing towards the right end of the table!
Ivybridge (3rd) v Bideford (10th)
Ivybridge (Josh Zimmerman): One change this week. Harvey Johnson has work, so in comes Jake Dunn. Jake has nearly finished his exams now, so to have his level of talent in the squad will be a huge boost for the second half of the season. We've been competitive in our first four games without being spectacular. I know the talent in this squad has more to come, but the standard in this division means we cannot afford any off days.
Jack Ford (Bideford): Julian Hayter back now from university commitments. Young seamer Sam Beckley gets a chance this weekend. Obviously been a bit behind the pace these first four weeks, but with a great performance against Abbotskerswell in between to show what we can do. Just looking for a bit more consistency from now onwards. We've had some great battles with Ivybridge in the past and so expecting this Saturday not to be any different. Another tough game at another ground that's tricky to get a result, but we're looking forward to the challenge ahead.
Braunton (6th) v Plymstock(top)
Braunton (Sam Reddick): Dan Brierley is back for us this week Dan has been missing for our two losses, so it's a boost to have him back. We are pleased with how we have competed so far since coming up to the B Division. It's clear for us to see where we need to improve, and the boys are bang up for facing an unbeaten Plymstock side. With a bit more discipline we could be three from four, or perhaps better. A long season ahead in what is a competitive division with no easy fixtures.
Plymstock (Tom Mitch): A few changes again, strong availability at the club this week which helps all three teams. Had a strong start to season and hopefully we can continue the winning run. Should be a good game of cricket against a strong team. Early alarms are ready!
