Devon Cricket Board - B Division latest - Stoke sign Lake from Bovey

STOKE Gabriel have signed all-rounder Richard Lake from Bovey Tracey for the rest of the season.
Lake was captain of Abbotskerswell last season, but left for Bovey during the winter to have a crack at Premier cricket.
Lake is leaving the area later this year and wanted to test himself in the top flight.
Bovey have had no complaints about Lake in league or cup action, but the player’s circumstances have changed since he went there.
Stoke captain Dowling is a mate from Australia and, for what’s left of the season, Lake has opted to play with his pal.
“My personal situation has changed and I cannot fully commit. Bovey, who have been very supportive about my decision,” said Lake
“Moving to Stoke Gabriel I can support a local club and play alongside Josh when time allows.”
Dowling is delighted to have his mate on board at the Eastleigh ground.
“Richard is a great bloke to have around the club,” said Dowling..
“We are over the moon to have him on board, obviously for his batting and bowling, but more so his leadership and ability to work with our up-and-coming young players.”
Stoke are at home to Ivybridge tomorrow. The Bridge came up with Stoke last season and, like their promoted colleagues, are finding it tough.
Skipper Gareth Andrews has made four changes to the side beaten by Shobrooke Park last Saturday.
Back in are bowlers Harry Solomon after injury and Pete Abraham.
Batsmen Tim Lancaster and Chris Greenhouse also come in.
Missing from last week are Josh zimmerman, Dan Newman, Charlie Horwood and Andy Johnson.
“It is good to have Harry and Pete back as I was little short of options last week,” said Andrews.
“Expecting a tight game with Stoke, as they are always strong at home.”
SHOBROOKE Park entertain Alphington on the up after winning at Ivybridge.
Shobrooke have a stronger side this week as Dan Pyle and John James return.
Skipper Justin Dollow said the win over Ivybridge gave everyone a lift after two previous reversals.
“There is a far more positive outlook to our cricket and we hope the improvements will continue throughout the rest of the season,” said Dollow.
“There is still room for improvement in all areas, but if we enjoy playing this will come naturally.
Alphington will be a good game - it always is, regardless of the strength of either side - so we know we will have to perform to come away with a victory,
“Alphington will have a stronger side than in some previous games but as long as we play positive cricket and stick to basics I don't see this being any issue. “  Alphington should be stronger in the batting department thanks to the reappearance of Matt Taylor, Alvin Pollard and Ben Ireson, who will also keep wicket.
“We have been struggling a bit to put partnerships together and I hope with a bit more depth to the batting we can make a better job of that,” said Alphas’ skipper Stuart Shaw.
HUNDRED per-centers Chudleigh are at home to South Devon in a derby clash at Kate Brook
Jack Vittles is out and Shaun Newland comes back in to what is a pretty settled side.
South Devon have had a rotten start to the season – three defeats so far – but Chudleigh skipper Jon Martin is wary of them with good reason.
“We are looking forward to derby day and are reasonable confident with the way our season has started as we look like getting better,” said Martin.
“But history says that we have a tendency to struggle against sides that are at the foot of the table.”
THORVERTON entertain Barnstaple & Pilton looking to get back on track after losing to Chudleigh last time out.
Skipper James Hope has analysed the loss to Chudleigh and come up with a few areas for improvement
“We are going back to basics and bowling one side of the wicket, which enables us to set better fields,” said Hope.
“And we need to prize our wickets more. This hopefully will set us up for posting-chasing bigger totals.”
LEWDOWN captain Harry Geering said his side need to raise their game for the derby clash with Tavisock.
Lewdown are unbeaten at the top of the table after winning at Alphington last time out.
Geering said Lewdown have not played at their best so far and need to find an extra per cent or two.
“So far this season we have only played for half a match, but fortunate enough to have only dropped one point,” said Geering.
“Tavistock will be a different task. To get another win, we will need to perform well for all of the match.
“Tavistock are a very good side and definite promotion candidates.
“Both sides are going into the game in good form after very easy victories last week.”
Lewdown hope to have opening bowler Phil Yeo and Sam Ewen back in.
Geering is right to be wary about Tavistock as they are on a high after thrashing South Devon by more than 200 runs.
Batter Ian Gray is missing but Devon Lion Rhys Davies comes in for his first game for us this season.
James McGahey is back in to, so strength in both departments.
“If we put the runs on the board I feel we have a good chance of taking the points,” said Tavvy captain Shaun Daymond.