Devon Cricket Board - A Division - battle royal going on at the bottom

A Division - battle royal going on at the bottom

CHUDLEIGH skipper Ed Foreman is hoping for the best but preparing for the worst in tomorrow’s final round of fixtures.
Abbotskerswell, Chudleigh and Lewdown are all battling to the last two avoid relegation. Two of them will be disappointed.
Abbots, on 139 points, have the most to do as they are 14 points away from safety with 22 to play for.
Richard Acton’s men need Chudleigh to lose against promotion chasers Plympton and Lewdown to go down against Hatherleigh.
Oh, and they have to beat Brixham, ideally with maximum points.
Chudleigh need five points more against Plympton than Lewdown take off Hatherleigh.
That’s not the tallest of orders, but one Foreman isn’t banking on.
“We are not in the best position going into tomorrow,” said Foreman.
“If Lewdown are not in the A Division next year, then something strange will have happened.
“We will be going out to give it our all and see what happens. I think we can do it and so can the boys but it will be a miracle if we do.
“I just hope the weather stays out if it.
“On the whole I am very proud of the way we have played our cricket this year.
“We have had some hard lessons and have not helped ourselves at times, but we have shown we can definitely compete at this standard.
“More consistency needs to be shown and we will become a very good side.”
Batter Dan Britcliffe is back in for Jack Beer.
Plympton’s motivation for the game is the three points they need to be sure of second spot behind champs in waiting Paignton.
But if anyone thinks Plympton are only concerned about the three points, they are mistaken.
“We are confident we will be able to pick up the points we need at Chudleigh,” said skipper James Carr, who misses the game.
“I know the lads are thinking of getting as many as possible as want to go as champions.
“As well we have to be fair to Lewdown and Abbots and play to our max.
“I said when we played Chudleigh at ours and they gave us a fright that they would win matches and they have hit some form and are playing to stay in the league so it won't be easy.
Andy Walter and Craig Donohue replace Carr and Josh Mailling.
ABBOTSKERSWELL – fresh from beating Budleigh Salterton – are playing pressure free against Brixham, which might just give them and edge.
“Last week has given us a small chance of surviving, but obviously we need to win and see both Chudleigh and Lewdown lose,” said skipper Acton.
“We have to make sure we don't put too much pressure on ourselves, we played so well last week because the pressure was off.
“We'll just enjoy our cricket and hope results go our way.”
Callum Stanley replaces Tom Andrew in the batting line up.
LEWDOWN captain Harry Geering believes keeping the lid on Hatherleigh is the key to winning the game.
“It's a massive week for our bowlers as Hatherleigh don't really have a single big run scorer, but build partnerships very well as shown last week, even down to the 10th wicket,” said Geering.
“So not letting partnerships build is key – as is taking our catches.
“Catches win matches so we will need to improve heavily in that department this week as it cost us heavily last week.
“But win or lose we have played in the highest division we have ever played in with the most inexperienced side we have had since we started going up through the league.
“If we do win and stay up it will be a great achievement, especially having only had an overseas for half a season.
“The players have gained great experience and will come on for that next year.”
Gary Sizmur and Tallen burns have injuries but will play and bat. Ben Williams is still out with injury. Youngster Leon horn will keep his place after an impressive spell last week.
Added Geering: “Charlie Hughes is playing to give me an extra option with bowling as we have been bowling five each week as we have to due to injuries. Having a sixth bowler will give me more options.”
LEADERS Paignton entertain Barton looking for the win that will keep the ahead of Plympton in the two-horse race for the title.

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