Devon Cricket Board - Baggs stands down after eight years as Exmouth captain

Baggs stands down after eight years as Exmouth captain

EXMOUTH will be skippered by Gary Chappell for the rest of the season following Richard Baggs’ decision to stand down.
Chappell, who had a spell as captain at former club Bradninch, has skippered Exmouth in 50 and 20-over cricket for the past two seasons.
It was Chappell who led Exmouth to the Devon T20 title last season and all the way to the last eight of the ECB national competition.
Baggs (left) had already hinted this would probably be his last season at the helm.
His decision to stand down now isn’t that much of a surprise.
“Basically, after eight years as captain I have become a bit stale and it is time for someone else to step in,” said Baggs.
“I will carry on doing all the off-field stuff and leave Gary to do the captaincy side on the field.”
Baggs has struggled for Premier Division runs this season and hopes to be able to concentrate on his batting without the added burden of captaincy.
Chappell’s first game in charge was last Saturday’s win over North Devon, which kept hopes of winning the Premier title alive.
It’s defending champions Sidmouth for Exmouth tomorrow in a must-win game as far as the title is concerned.
“We have to win all seven of our remaining games to have any chance of winning the league,” said Chappell.
It is always a tough game versus Sidmouth but one we're always up for.”
Exmouth won by batting first at North Devon, putting 231 for seven on the board then bowling out the hosts for 192.
Chappell said after some miserable performances with the bat in previous games, he hoped it was a corner turned.
“Our batting has let us down this season and is the reason we have lost games,” said Chappell.
“We put in a good team batting performance at North Devon with lots of guys contributing.
“That needs to continue, hopefully with one of us going on to make a big score..”
Finlay Marks will be recalled after a week’s batting practice in the second team and Jon Evennett will play subject to an availability issue.
Sidmouth skipper Will Murray has some tough decisions to make as he sorts out his team for the game.
Murray didn’t play in the win at Bovey last Saturday as he was at a wedding.
Spinner Miles Dalton deputised, took a couple of wickets and on an Exmouth track expected to spin has a case for retention.
“It is going to be tough picking a side as there is definitely a case for keeping Miles in,” said Murray.
“Matt Hewer scored his third ton of he season in the 2^nd XI last Saturday and with Dan Powell making 169 in the same game there is real competition for places.”

DCB Ltd, University of Exeter Sports Hall, Stocker Road, Exeter, Devon EX4 4QN Company Registration Number: 7024773