Around the wickets in the A Division– week 17: Davies (pictured) return to Hatherleigh top order for probable title decider against Tavistock | Smyly and Scott-Munden add to Tavvy batting | 'It's a real shootout to see who gets over the line first' – Tavi
AROUND THE WICKETS IN THE A DIVISION – WEEK 17
Hatherleigh (top) v Tavistock (2nd)
Hatherleigh (Rob Cockwill): Really tough selection this week as availability is strong. Ryan Davies back in after a running event last weekend. Rob Fishleigh unfortunately misses out, after performing well for us. It's just another game of cricket for us, we never set out for promotion. After losing to Barton and Cullompton early on, winning the title has never crossed our mind. Tavistock are a very strong side, as they have led the way for most of the season, we are just happy to be in the mix with them. As I have said before, we just look to enjoy our cricket, we are not playing for a row of houses, so the main aim has to be about enjoyment and playing in the right way. If you win more than you lose then happy days, if not you have to move on and enjoy a beer.
Tavistock (Sean Cleave): James White’s back in London, and Charlie Barriball was meant to play for the 2nd XI to find some form. Unfortunately, the Devon League turned down that request, so we’ve got a player without a match this weekend. Hopefully, that rule gets a look at over the winter. On a brighter note, Jack Smyly and Will Scott-Munden are back in the squad, which should give our batting a real boost. As for the game this weekend, both teams will know how important it is. It's a real shootout to see who gets over the line first. I’ve said it before, but Hatherleigh Cricket Club are a solid team and a top club. We know they’ll push us hard on Saturday. After last week’s disappointing result, we need to refocus, but I’m confident the lads will bounce back with a big performance.
Thorverton (3rd) v Torquay & Kingskerswell (8th)
Thorverton (Jake Choules): Alex Jopling and Freddie Fenner are back in with Luke Vukusic and Stu Tait missing from last week's side. We will of course have half an eye on the Hatherleigh-versus-Tavistock game. Whilst realistically the points swing needed is too great, a win for us will set up an interesting final day if nothing else. We will need to play very well to do our part against a strong and in-form Torquay & Kingskerswell side. I am hoping the boys are ready to fire!
Torquay & Kingskerswell (Harry Passenger): After a brilliantly crafted win, and some spectacular hitting from Josh Thompson last week, hoping to build on that. A win would be special but also focusing on each point one at a time to make sure we stay out of the drop zone. Thorverton have always been a strong side, especially at home, and with availability potentially being the worst it has been all season, I'm sure it'll be a hard-fought game either way!
Barton (10th) v Cullompton (4th)
Barton (Steve Lewis) :Value of the fixture is another tough match against tough opposition. Just need to keep learning how to play against good players and make sure they don't profit stupid amounts. Tom Drake not available this week.
Cullompton (Dan King): An unchanged line-up for the game against Barton. It's always a close match down there, and we're looking to be on the right side of the ledger this time. A reminder of last season’s corresponding fixture.
Bridestowe & Belstone (7th) v Kilmington (6th)
Kilmington (Oli Reed): Two changes from last week. Rob Crabb and Ben Fuzzard back in, which strengthens our bowling attack massively. Expecting a tough game against Bridestowe, which is always a tricky place to visit. Hoping to build on the last two games and finish the season on a real high.
Bridestowe & Belstone: Tom Pengelly, Craig Penberthy and Simon Gillespie come in for Paul Penberthy (2nd X), Lewie Harrison and Billy Searle (both not available).
Bovey Tracey (5th) v Plympton (9th)
Bovey Tracey (Seb Ansley): At the moment not fully finalised but Will Christophers out and Ollie Clifford-Bourne in, Rob Pryke out and Tom Andrew in, then there might be some others pending injury. Still a big weekend for the club, in the 2nd and 3rd XIs especially, despite our position. Key thing from my point of view as a team is to make up for the game at their place where they completely outplayed us. As individuals we've done it with the ball but not yet anyone gone all the way with the bat.
Plympton (Harry Kandampully): We know we need results to go our way to even have a chance to avoid the drop. We are at full strength and we aren't down yet. This week we will be fighting for every point, knowing only a win will do. 
