Devon Cricket Board - Chappell warns of changes ahead

Chappell warns of changes ahead

EXMOUTH’S new skipper Gary Chappell has warned the old faces a shake-up is on the cards now he has written off hopes of winning the Premier title.
Chappell (pictured) takes Exmouth to Heathcoat tomorrow on the back of a three-wicket defeat by Sidmouth which leaves them sixth in the table and 59 points behind leaders Torquay.
As Exmouth can’t do enough in the last six games to make up the deficit, Chappell is looking further ahead to 2016 and beyond.
“After last week’s disappointment we can no longer win the league,” said Chappell, who replaced long-serving Richard Baggs halfway through the season.
“This season our team and top order has kind of been a closed book to get into.
“We have a number of players who have been there and done that and been top performers at this level for years.
“It was only right to back these players and expect them to do the job.
“Collectively, we clearly haven't been good enough, which is why we're sixth in the table.
“The fact we can't win the title with six games left is unacceptable.
“I see it as a good opportunity and only fair to give others a go and see what they can do at this level.
“So I won't be shy to make changes during the last six games should I feel someone deserves a chance or I feel someone can be successful with the future of the club in mind.”
Chappell also wants to see the next generation more involved, which is why Finlay Marks and Jack England are dropping down to the 2^nd XI this Saturday.
“With a lot of our top order also being bowlers, we've tended to have a couple of guys a week not really doing a lot,” said Chappell.
“They've been excellent for us this year, stepping up and helping us out, but they're talented youngsters and it's important they work on their batting and bowling in the seconds.”
Heathcoat are looking to bounce back from their drubbing at Torquay, which harmed their chances of a top-four finish.
Chasing 273 to win they were bowled out for 158.
Toby Lochead, the Heathcoat vice-captain, said recent form between the teams favours his side on this occasion.
“We are confident of getting a result against Exmouth at home,” said Lochead.
“We have always done well against them at home.
“But to finish in the top four we will have to perform better with the bat than we did against Torquay.”

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