Devon Cricket Board - Murphy unconcerned by promotion near miss

Murphy unconcerned by promotion near miss

BUDLEIGH Salterton captain Joel Murphy isn’t too concerned his side missed out on promotion this season.
Murphy already knew Budleigh would finish third in the final table before the 33-run defeat by Lewdown in the last game of the season.
Third is no improvement on last year when Budleigh trailed home behind Paignton and Plympton.
Having seen what happened to last season’s promoted sides – both came straight back down – Murphy is in no rush to follow suit.
“We were not quite good enough to push for a promotion place, but with a young side that isn’t such a bad thing,” said Murphy.
“Our young players have had a season to develop and make the transition to playing men’s cricket.
“We have had a decent season – and will go into next season stronger.”
Budleigh benefited from having Zimbabwean big hitter Cephas Zhuwao for most of the season and he signed off with another half century.
“Twenty-four wickets and nearly 800 runs – he has been good for the club and we have been glad to have him,” said Murphy.
Lewdown were playing for their A Division survival and worked hard to make 197 for six in their 50 overs.
Budleigh where just about in the running at 134 for five – then Zhuwao got out for 54 and the side started.
Burns took three wickets and there were two each for Tom Pearce and Searle as Budleigh were all out for 164.

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