Premier prospects – week six: Heathcoat aiming to generate momentum | Hopkins (pictured) and Handley earn Sandford promotions

Joe Hopkins, who has been promoted into Sandford

PREMIER PROSPECTS – WEEK SIX

SANDFORD (9th) v HEATHCOAT (8th)

Sandford (Jackson Thompson): Jamie Palmer and Matt Jeacock are both injured still. That gives some others an opportunity to test themselves more. In come Ben Handley and Joe Hopkins to bolster batting and spin-bowling options. It's simple for us: bat our overs or chase the runs down! Be a good game against a decent side in Heathcoat. 

Heathcoat (Dylan Penberthy-Hutchings): Team still to be confirmed. Looking to take momentum from the previous couple of weeks into this one. Looks like Sandford have been struggling so an opportunity to put them under pressure and see what happens.

NORTH DEVON (10th) v PAIGNTON (2nd)

North Devon (Jack Moore): Jack Whittaker back in which is a huge plus for us. Paignton obviously a side riding the wave but always got to be confident especially at Instow. Our season has to kickstart at some point; Saturday would be a great time to do so. Luke and Rory (Rogibear) Medlock are obvious dangermen. However, after playing two weeks’ worth of back garden cricket in Melbourne with half the Paignton team, I am confident we can come up with a plan or two to combat any threats.

Paignton (Harry Ward): Unfortunately, Neil Hancock is unavailable for the trip. On a positive note, Archie Farkins returns from injury, which is a big boost for us. The lads are excited for the trip to North Devon — it’s always a great place to play cricket. They’re a strong side and like to make the most of the powerplay, so we’ll need to be on-it from the start. The boys are looking forward to getting out there, enjoying ourselves, and playing as a team.

EXETER (4th) v SIDMOUTH (7th)

Exeter (Clint McCabe): Looking to get our season back on track and pleasingly, our lads at King’s (Taunton) have a week off school cricket so Zach Vukusic and Rishabh Shimpi come into the side.

Sidmouth (Luke Bess): Selection is not finalised yet, waiting on certain players and logistics until we can be sure. Josh Bess and Matt Cooke have both made themselves available this week, which is great for the club. A few familiar faces in the opposition always adds something, so it should be a good one to play in. 

PLYMOUTH (5th) v BRADNINCH & KENTISbeare (top)

Plymouth (Sam Stein): A couple of changes for us: James Webb, Hemanshu, Sam Burns and Ollie Parsons in. Expecting a tough game against a good side. Hopefully the weather stays fair. Would like to get back to winning ways. It is a very tight division overall, so all points are vital. 

Bradninch & Kentisbeare (Gary Chappell): Buzza and Farley out. Pugh and Piper back. Plymouth are a very competitive side with lots of handy players and it won't be easy down there. Hopefully the rain stays away. 

CORNWOOD (6th) v EXMOUTH (3rd)

Cornwood (Elliott Staddon): Hoping the weather stays away and prevents what looks like could be an on off day against what's always a good Exmouth bunch. Looking to keep improving on a good performance by the lads at Sidmouth last Saturday. One change from that side with myself coming back in.

Exmouth (Fin Marks): Dan Pyle and Ethan Brenton can't make it in time to play for the first team, so they are playing at home for the 2nd XI. George Greenway has to work, so missing a couple. Higo comes back in after a few weeks out through injury; he will be massive for us for the rest of the season. Always a tough place to go and win at Cornwood but the boys are looking forward to the challenge