Devon Cricket Board - Plymouth wary of upset factor in Booker Devon Cup final

Plymouth wary of upset factor in Booker Devon Cup final

PLYMOUTH will be favourites, but not by a lot, to carry off the Booker Wholesale Devon Cup in tomorrow’s final against Cornwood at Heathcoat (1.00 pm).
While Cornwood have been going great guns in the A Division, and are destined to return to the top flight next summer, Plymouth have been waging a war for Premier survival.
The city side have just about done enough to reach safety, but will feel a lot happier when mathematically they can’t be caught.
As far as ‘league ladder’ stands, Plymouth are eighth and Cornwood 12th. That’s not much of gap.
However, Plymouth did account for cup holders Sidmouth in the semi-finals and for that reason if nothing else they are slight favourites.
“We had a number of players missing for that game – and when we were all out for 160 might have feared the worst,” said Harry Ramsden, who is skippering the side in the absence through injury of 1st XI captain Sam Stein.
“There is a fortress factor for us about playing at Mount Wise though and we always had a good feeling about defending out total.”
Plymouth have already met Cornwood twice in short-format games this season, winning one encounter and losing the other in the Ivor Dewdney’s T20 competition.
“I am a newcomer to the area and this is my first season with Plymouth, so don’t know a lot about the rivalry between us and Cornwood,” said Ramsden.
“It was very clear both sides are up for it when they play each other and Cornwood were highly motivated to play us.”
Ramsden said Plymouth are expecting a tough game against a side on the up.
“Cornwood will be back in our division next season – and from what I have seen of them and their results if they were there now would hold their own,” said Ramsden.
“We will need to be at the top of our game if we are going to beat them. The shorter the game the more scope there is for an upset and we are aware of that.”
Jason Hall, the Cornwood captain, said his team have a winning habit and are in a great position to turn the tables on Plymouth.
“While Plymouth are a strong team and have done incredibly well since returning to the Premier Division, we know that in a one-off game anything can happen,” said Hall.
“All the lads on both teams will be up for the game not only as a cup final but as a derby.
“If we can continue to play as a team in the manner as we have in recent weeks, then we will give ourselves a real chance.
“As club players these are the games you want to be involved in with the occasion and crowds, that make playing that much more incentivised.
“Let's hope for some great weather and two good teams playing some tough cricket.”
Cornwood, formed in 1954, have never appeared in a Devon Cup final before so Sunday’s appearance really is one of the biggest days in their relatively short history.
“It is testament to the club and its members to have grown and developed so quickly as a whole and this will be a great occasion,” said Hall.
“It is also testament to the hard work the players have put in over recent years to improve individually and as a team.
There is a great mix of youth and experience at the club, all pulling in the same direction, and this is just reward for the hard work. “
Plymouth, unlike Cornwood, are old hands at Devon Cup finals, having won the first back in 1966 and added wins in 1975, 1978, 1990 and 1994, when they beat Bovey Tracey by 12 runs to lift it.
Kevin Barrett made 61 in a Plymouth total of 179 for five, then South African Roger Qe-Qe took three for 31 as Bovey were held to 167 for nine in reply.
Cornwood: Jackson Thompson, Ben Warren, Chris Parker, Matt Skeemer, Mark Roca, Jason Hall, Craig Harris, Elliott Staddon, Matt Butterworth, Craig James, Adam Goodliffe
Plymouth: James Toms, Mike Simmers, Harry Ramsden, George Stephenson, Hal Kerton, Jake Luffman, Ben Stein, Henry Bennett, Rob Bennett, Joe Walsh, Dave Burke.
Umpires: Ray Allen and Roger Tolchard

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