Premier Division prospects – week 11: Tavistock likely to lose Pakistani paceman Hassan (pictured) | Exeter going for four in a row
Bradninch & Kentisbeare (6th) v Exmouth (2nd)
Bradninch & Kentisbeare (Gary Chappell): Better availability this week. Charlie Sheen can play again which is great news, Andy Buzza may be around, and Ross Acton could play as a batter all being well. Final side undecided as of yet but the large majority are back from last week. Only Theo Lamey unavailable with a broken thumb and Fred Cockram still away. Exmouth are obviously a strong side with some dangerous batters, but have slipped up a few times of late. Hopefully we can capitalise on that in what will no doubt be a hotly contested game. All the pressure on them to remain title challengers. For us it's just about enjoying each game and see where we are in a few weeks.
Exmouth (James Horler): After a disappointing couple of weeks for us (lost to Paignton and Cornwood), this is the chance to reset. Important to remember we have only lost twice so far and are in touching distance of the top. Also it is important we bat our overs. We have been bowled out in 21 and 25 In the last two matches. That won’t win too many games of cricket. Ollie Cave drops out.
Cornwood (5th) v Paignton (3rd)
Cornwood (Matt Skeemer): Elliott Staddon back available so (after much debate) Robin Dart drops down. Pretty simple for us, keeping bowling and fielding how we are and look to improve with the bat. Always a good game with Paignton so expecting no different
Paignton (Harry Ward): Cole Harford comes in for Steven George, who is unavailable. The boys are looking forward to the trip to Cornwood. It’s always a great place to play cricket, and our focus is on continuing to improve as a team. If we can do that, I’m sure we’ll put in a good performance, which will be needed against a strong side.
Sidmouth (9th) v Tavistock (10th)
Sidmouth (Taylor Ingham-Hill): Unchanged from last week for the first time this year, which is great. Momentum is key for us, and this weekend is another big one. Dan Powell is excited to keep the gloves. Matt Matravers has gone fishing.
Tavistock (Sean Cleave): It’s not the news we were hoping for. Ahmad’s injury (side strain) has worsened and there’s a strong possibility he’ll be returning to Pakistan. On top of that, Will Scott-Munden’s relocation has been brought forward, meaning we may only have him available for a couple more games. With a huge period of the season ahead and crucial matches against the teams around us, it’s going to take a massive effort from everyone. But we’re confident, excited for the challenge, and I have complete belief that this group can compete and give ourselves the chance to get the results we need. I’m also looking forward to seeing Harry Witcher make his league debut in a Tavistock shirt. It’s a great opportunity for him, and I’m sure he’ll grab it with both hands.
Plymouth (8th) v Hatherleigh (7th)
Plymouth (Teddy Haffenden): A couple of changes this week. Batting performances over the past few matches have been great, just need to back them up in then field. Looking forward to the next couple of weeks playing at home.
Hatherleigh (Rob Cockwill): Gareth Tidball and Charlie Presswell back in the side. Looking to put last week behind us and focus on the challenge ahead. Plymouth will be a tough test for us, but we are confident if we control our skills we should have enough to get a win. Always a nice place to go and play cricket, hopefully make use of the outside bar after the game.
Exeter (top) v Sandford (4th)
Exeter (Seb Linnitt) Zach Vukusic comes back into the squad to add some firepower to the side and another bowling option. Robin Fern also comes in and will take the gloves and add some more depth to the batting order. We are confident going into Sandford at home and look to get our foiurth league victory in a row.
