Zimmerman unconcerned about losing overseas professional Muchawaya for last two games | 'Others now have chances to step-up for the last few games – I'm confident all the lads will pull through' – Zimmerman

IVYBRIDGE skipper Josh Zimmeran is confident the absence of an overseas player won’t be a huge handicap for his team during the B Division promotion run-in.

Tinashe Muchawaya, a regular in Zimbabwe for franchise team Mountaineers, returned home before Ivybridge defeated Braunton by seven wickets last time out.

Muchawaya made 13 B Division appearances for Ivybridge, during which he took 27 league wickets and scored 427 runs.

Although there appears to be a big void in the side, Zimmerman won’t be losing any sleep over the now-departed Zimbabwean.

“Tinashe produced some good performances on the pitch, but has had to return home to Zimbabwe,” said Zimmerman.

“Others now have chances to step-up for the last few games, such as Farzad Safi, who made the most of his chance with a fantastic ‘4fer’ against Braunton.

“I'm confident all the lads will pull through.”

Braunton are trying to stay up rather than go up and have to raise their game in the last two matches to be safe.

So said skipper Sam Reddick as he surveyed the log jam down in the basement, where Stoke Gabriel (188pts), Braunton and Bovey Tracey (both on 186) and Ipplepen (182) are trying to avoid demotion alongside doomed Abbotskerswell.

“We were way off the mark,” said Reddick. “It was not the performance we needed in a crucial game and we absolutely have to be better in the next two games,” said Reddick

“Possibly a different decision by myself at the toss may have led to us gaining more points, but either way the batting and bowling was sub-standard.

“We aren't much worse off than we were at the start of the day due to (helpful) results around us, but there's more pressure on our last two games now.

“We will aim to get every point we can from each of our remaining games.”

First on the list for Braunton is the long trip to leaders Budleigh Salterton, who are one win away from promotion as champions.

Braunton were bowled out for 139 with Mark Thomas making 34. Best of the rest with 20 each were skipper Sam Reddick and Kyle Faber.

Safi led the bowling effort for the Bridge with four for 24, Jake Dunn (2-6) and Josh Coker (2-27) did their bit.

Abraham Kopparambil (58) and Adam Huxtable (50) pointed Ivybridge in the right direction. Zimmerman (26) wrapped things up.

Said Zimmerman: “It was a strong, all-round performance and brilliant to see Farzad steaming in with the ball. 

“We looked comfortable with the bat also, which sets us up nicely for a massive final two games.”

Ivybridge trail Plymstock by four points with two games to go. Plymstock are the opposition on the final day.

Whether Plymstock beat relegation worriers Bovey Tracey this Saturday, is irrelevant for Zimmerman.

“We still need to win both remaining games,” said Zimmerman.

Wherever Ivybridge finish at the end of the season, Zimmerman said the team’s first season back in the B Division will be chalked-up as a success.

“Even if it doesn't turn out to be our year we will have had a brilliant season and know our cracking, young squad is very close to moving to the next level,” said Zimmerman.