Devon Cricket Board - Budleigh bring in serious cricketers

Budleigh bring in serious cricketers

BUDLEIGH Salterton skipper Joel Murphy hopes his side can find a tougher streak this season as they look to bounce straight back into the Premier Division.
The Otters were relegated last season with just two wins to their name and never looked like staying up after the halfway stage.
Former Devon captain Bob Dawson has returned to Exmouth after 18 seasons attached to Budleigh and 2013 overseas player Seb Langridge has not been replaced.
Coming in are some serious cricketers –Ben Phillips and Rob Craze in particular – who should give Budleigh a meaner edge.
“One of our problems last season was we just weren’t ruthless enough,” said Murphy.
“At times we were a bit complacent, thinking we could play our way out of trouble when we were not really switched on.
“There are no easy games in the Premier Division and we paid the price for forgetting that.”
Phillips, ex-of Somerset, Kent, Northants and Notts, was recruited as a player-coach and is already making his presence felt before a ball is bowled in anger.
Craze, an off-spinner and batter, has played for Cambridgeshire and been through the Northants Academy.
Said Murphy: “Getting Ben Phillips to come to the club has been a real bonus.
“He has nearly 20 years experience in the First Class game and we are seeing the benefit already in training.
“Although he is thought of as a bowler, 16 First Class 50s and a century make him a genuine all-rounder in my book.
“With what we have already – James Burke, Matt Kidd when he comes back from university, and the new guys, we have a formidable bowling attack.
“We are where we are for a reason, but my aim is to win every game we play and get back in the Premier as soon as possible.”
Budleigh’s first game of the season is at home to Lewdown.

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