Devon Cricket Board - South Devon skipper praised for sportsmanship by umpires

SOUTH Devon captain Jon Martin has been praised for an act of ‘outstanding’ sportsmanship in the derby clash with Chudleigh.
Going into the game at Marsh Road only 10 points separated the top six teams in the B Division – and Chudleigh and South Devon were two of them.
There was plenty riding on the match for both sides, so umpires Peter Hunt and Matt Dominey were expecting a tense encounter.
Hunt said the game was fiercely competitive, but the sportsmanship from both sides shone through.
“In the second innings Jon Martin (left) withdrew an appeal and called back batsman Mark Solway while he was leaving the field run-out,” said umpire Hunt.
“The wicket keeper did not have the ball in hand when the wicket was broken.
“Given the importance of the match, South Devon deserve a mention in dispatches.
“They went on to lose the game but remained sportsmanlike and gentlemanly throughout.
“I wish to commend both teams for demonstrating outstanding sportsmanship, which exemplified the spirit of cricket.”
Hunt added that Chudleigh captain Matt Heather contributed fully to playing the game in the right spirit.
Stuart Munday, the league chairman, said he always promoted the spirit of cricket to clubs and was delighted to learn what happened at South Devon.
“There was also an incident at Kingsbridge where a Dartington & Totnes batsman was called back on Saturday because the bowler said he could not be out lbw as he had hit the ball,” said Munday.
“Last season we had 17 discipline cases to deal with where the spirit of cricket went out of the window.
“This season we have had none at all – which is a remarkable turnaround and a great reflection on the clubs themselves.”
Martin’s sportsmanship was certainly commendable, although it did come at a cost.
Solway made a top score of 47 as Chudleigh chased 175 to win with six wickets in hand.

South Devon go to Axminster this Saturday hoping to avoid a third straight defeat.

Axminster are bouncing around in the bottom two and need a lift after underperforming against Thorverton last time out.

“The batters need to start valuing their wickets a bit more,” said skipper Paul Miller.

“We were disappointing in the way we batted last week.

“It was doing a bit early on, but got easier the longer you were out there.

“If we are to get out of the bottom three we need to start winning games fast but you can't do that by only posting 150 or less.

“South Devon are a good side but have lost a couple in the last few weeks so they will be wanting to put that right against the side bottom of the league.”

Danny and Gary Larcombe are back for Axminster. Dan Fuzzard and Alan Ostler drop down to the 2^nd XI.

PLYMSTOCK travel to Braunton full of confidence with three wins on the bounce plus a strong win over Premier neighbours Plympton in the 20-20 on Sunday.

Plymstock have a few changes with Dave Orchard and Matt Mackay away and Morgan Parkinson dropping down to assist the second team.

Incoming are Josh Hocken, who is free of work commitments, and stepping

up from the 2^nd XI are batsman Mike Blackmore and young opening bowler Robbie Cunningham.

Braunton’s form is up and down – more down than up now – but Plymstock skipper Scott Mansfeld isn’t underestimating them.

“This year’s weekly results have been so unpredictable, I can assure you the lads won't be taking anything for granted,: he said.

“Everyone has shown they are capable of beating anyone.

Dom Wood has found form with 116 on Saturday and 100 not out on Sunday so hopefully that continues.”

IVYBRIDGE captain Gareth Andrews has worked hard to overcome the injury problems plaguing the 1^st XI for the short trip to Chudleigh.

Neil Lancaster is out for the season after dislocating and fracturing one for his right knuckles last week.

Kelvin Trent comes back in and Andrews has managed to get Paul Veale to play.

Josh Coker’s hamstrong injury isn't as bad as first thought but at best he is 50/50 for this week.

Andrews has got other preoccupations, such as the team’s hit-and-miss batting.

“Our batsmen are all getting starts but not going on, which needs to change,” said Andrews.

Chudleigh captain Ed Foreman returns to the side after missing the win at South Devon.

Dan Le Marquand is promoted from the 2nd XI after 137 not out and will bat in the middle order.

There are no signs of the log jam in the division easing significantly with only 14 points between the top five and 39 between top and eighth.

It is Chudleigh’s turn to be second right now, but Foreman knows that could change fast.

“Our aim for the rest of the season is to win as many games as possible,” said Foreman..

“We sit second in the table but could still get dragged into a relegation battle.

“At the same time there is no stand-out team in the division thus far, so we could still be in with a chance of going up.

“Our goal has not changed since week one and that's is spend the season in the top half of the table.

“Ivybridge are a quality side so we will have to be on form.”

Elsewhere in the B Division tomorrow, promotion chasers Shobrooke Park and Ipplepen clash. Thorverton's run up the table will be tested when they face Abbotskerswell.

Ben Cowdry comes into the Abbots side after taking three wickets in the 2^nd XI last Saturday.

Phil Lacey makes way.

Skipper Morgan Penrice said the loss at Plymstock highlighted a flaw in the batting.

“We are a young side with a lot of talent, but need to apply ourselves a bit more when batting.”