Premier Prospects – week 17" Top two meet head on with Premier Division title the likely prize | 'All pressure on B&K' said Exmouth's Marks | 'I'll leave mind games to 'Fergie Fin' – retorts Chappell
PREMIER DIVISION PROSPECTS – WEEK 17
Exmouth (2nd) v Bradninch & Kentisbeare (top)
Exmouth (Fin Marks): All the pressure is on Bradninch & Kentisbeare. They have handed us this opportunity, so if we don’t 
get there, we won’t have ourselves to blame, as we’ve done so well to be in this position. We are playing some good cricket, but don't think we have put in a full performance together as of yet. Hopefully, that can happen on Saturday and we'll see what happens. Experience versus the Young Lads, looking forward to. This is why we play cricket.
Bradninch & Kentisbeare (Gary Chappell): Couple of changes this week. Theo Lamey is available, which is a big boost after a few weeks of impressive performances at various national festivals. Mitch Pugh is fit to bowl again, which has been a big miss in our attack over the last few games. Don't need to say how big of a game this is. We knew when we saw the fixtures that if we were in the hunt then the title was likely to come down to one of the last 2 games as we felt Exmouth and .jpeg)
Exeter were two of the strongest sides going into the season. And so it has proved. Even though we've lost a couple lately, we always knew it wouldn't be plain sailing in a strong division with lots of factors to contend with. And there was always going to be one team that went on a run, just like Exeter did last year.
As for Exmouth, I'll leave the mind games to ‘Fergie Fin’. There's a lot of friendships and mutual respect across the teams and they're a very good side and a top bunch of lads. Regardless of the outcome it'll be a great game and on balance over the season I think it's right and fair that the title has come down to this. We know each other very well and are aware of each other’s strengths and weaknesses. So it'll just come down to who plays the best on the day. We also wish them well on their T20 campaign which is a great achievement and hope they continue to fly the flag for Devon.
These games are what we play cricket for and don't come around often. It's amazing that we're in a position to play another big game like this for the 4th year in a row and potentially win the league again and is a credit to the lads’ hard work and consistency.
Cornwood (4th) v Paignton (3rd)
Cornwood (Elliott Staddon): Currently one change for us this week with Ben Privett back available so he comes back into the team and he's back fit to bowl, which is great news for us. We of course know it will be a tough game and a shootout for third spot really, with nothing for either team to play for winning the league-wise (see below), with that being a straight shootout 
between Bradninch and Exmouth who I think are rightly first and second. Paignton’s overseas (Aqa Gqamana: 354 runs, 50 wkts) has been an excellent pick for them deserves the plaudits with the ball along with Medlock (674 runs, ave 51.77) at the top of the order who has had a great year. Hoping we can limit the damage they can cause and aim to end the last home game of the season with a nice win.
Paignton (Harry Ward): This is a massive game for us in the context of the season. As long as it’s mathematically possible, we’ll keep believing we can lift some silverware at the end. To keep that dream alive, we need two wins – and the first challenge is Cornwood away. They’re a strong side and very tough to beat at home, so we’ll have to be at our best to get a result. The boys are ready and looking forward to the challenge.
Exeter (4th) v Heathcoat (8th)
Exeter: No news
Heathcoat (Dylan Penberthy-Hutchings): Two games left, two wins needed. Looking forward to it.
Plymouth (6th) v North Devon (10th)
Plymouth (Sam Stein): Important game for us – looking to get back on track. Few changes this weekend. Harry Ramsden in and Tom Hughes after the amount of runs amassed in the 2nd XI. Both bring a wealth of experience, which is always required in games like these. Looking forward to the challenge.
North Devon (Jack Moore): Lots of players out this week. Two games left and just looking to enjoy it.
Sandford (7th) v Sidmouth (9th)
Sandford (Jackson Thompson): This fixture is crucial for both teams at the bottom of the table. With the talent and skill level displayed by both teams, and the importance of the match, we all have a responsibility to perform well. We acknowledge our under-performance this season, and this game presents an opportunity to rectify it when it truly matters. Byron Knowles has been brought into the side to bolster our bowling and batting. All we need to do is execute the basics correctly and capitalise on our chances.
Sidmouth (Luke Bess): Griffiths and Hodgson unavailable; Trego and Docherty in. Cup final. All to play for. Looking forward to it.
