Devon Cricket Board - A Division - Salman back for Cornwood

CORNWOOD have Pakistani star Mohammad Salman back for their tricky trip to Braunton.
Salman had to go home last Saturday to play in a tournament, but has returned for Cornwood’s last lap on the way to promotion.
Cornwood beat Plympton last Saturday to stay on course for promotion, a path enhanced by rivals Paignton having three points deducted for slow bowling against Shobrooke last Saturday.
At the press of a key on the results secretary’s computer, Cornwood jumped from third to second.
It’s looking good for Cornwood, but skipper Craig Harris is not getting carried away.
“Our aspirations of becoming a Premier club need to be built on a consistent season so I’m asking for more of the same from the team,” said Harris
“Our fielding standards were superb last week and coupled with tight bowling and disciplined batting it can be the difference between two teams in the games coming up.
“We have targeted the next few weeks, leading up to the game with Exeter on the last day of the season, as the period to put on a real charge for points and given the success of the last two games we hope this will continue.
“It’s now down to players to not get complacent or slack and instead take the responsibility and continue to set high standards to ensure further positive results.”
“Braunton away is always a challenge, not just because of the journey, but that despite their league position that they still hold some high quality players that are good enough to take the game away from you.
“We need as many points as we can get and we know that they will be scrapping for just the same.”
Braunton were not at their best in the drawn game at South Devon and as the third-from-bottom team the threat of relegation lingers on.
“We are focussing on the two teams above us (Plymstock+7, Abbots +11 points). and closing the gap on them as quickly as possible to get them involve,” said skipper Jon Baglow.
“We have a number of players who are more than capable of playing decent cricket.
“We need three or fouur to click on the same day, rather than just one or two.”
Plymstock took a big step towards their survival with a 20-point victory over Abbotskerswell this week, but face a sterner challenge in the face of Paignton.
Seb Jordan returns to the fold to bolster the bowling after holidaying in Sweden.
Captain Dave Orchard retains 2nd XI skipper George Barnicott after all round good work against Abbots.
Said Orchard: “We miss Steve Coomer, who is off on holiday in Spain, but he is directly replaced by Seb Jordan.
“We keep Barney in the team, even though the 2nd XI are pushing for promotion themselves.
“We feel they have a strong enough team to make sure promotion happens!
“Paignton are on a great roll at the moment, but at home we reckon we can give anyone a game.
Paignton skipper Andy Kingdon is looking for some all-round improvements after a patchy win over Shobrook Park.
“We know Plymstock are a good side and it's not an easy ground to play at.
“We need to play much better this week after a very average display last week.”
Paignton welcome back the Benton brothers – bowler George and batter Seb – but miss seamer Rob Shergold.
“I was hoping to keep Shergold in the side but his availability to the end of the season is poor due to a cycling event he is competing in.
“He needs some time on the road which is a shame as he bowled well last Saturday.”
It’s top against bottom at Marsh Road where bottom side South Devon entertain leaders Exeter.
Exeter will be red-hot favourites to win the game using every indicator going, which includes a 199-run win over South Devon earlier in the season.
South Devon will be down if they lose so Exeter can expect the Newton Abbot side to come at them red in tooth and claw.
Exeter skipper Jon Tipper readily admits his side weren’t at their best all the way through against fellow strugglers Shobrooke Park last week, which was a timely reminder that games aren’t won by just turning up.
“South Devon look like they have started to put some results together, so we must guard against complacency,” said Tipper.
“If we play as well as we did for the majority of last week’s game then I would expect us to come away with a positive result. However if we play like we did when the wheels came off then we won't.”
South Devon know they will be up against it, but hope springs eternal for skipper Adrian Hewings.
“Exeter will be a tough ask to get a result given their dominance at the top of the table, but we will give it our all,” said Hewings.
“We look to maximise our points tally and hope we can spring a surprise or two them.”
South Devon team news is Sam Davies and Will Lttlechild return following a TA training weekend away.
Exeter’s overseas batter Baden Norwood has gone home early so Tom viljoen comes back in. Mike Wilkinson on holiday so Will Steward replaces him.
Shobrooke Park captain Justin Dollow has targeted the game at Brixham as one to win in battle for survival.
Shobrooke need to find 23 points from somewhere to get out of the bottom two and Brixham is as good a place to start getting them as anywhere.
“This is one game that could turn around our relegation battle with a win,” said Dollow.
“Brixham are looking strong at the moment though so we will take it one ball at a time and concentrate on improving our overall game if we can improve further we have a real chance of causing an upset.”
Keeper Chris Ford is back in for Dan Maytum
Plympton, effectively out of the running after losing to Cornwood and dropping 26 points behind second place, are relaxed going into their game against visiting Abbotskerswell.
“In the situation we are in after last week, we just need to go out and enjoy the rest of the season and see what happens,”said skipper Andy Walter.
“I think if you relax and enjoy your cricket that's when you play your best cricket and that's what we need to do.”
Plympton team news is Ross Farrer and Harry Kandampully are unavailable so in come Rich Skinner and Matt Gregory.
Abbots’ skipper Richard Lake has heard what Walter has to say – and isn’t entirely convinced!
“Plympton will be a hard game as I don't think they would have given up hopes for promotion just yet with four games to go,” said Lake.
“We aren't entirely safe ourselves and will be looking to play better than we have in recent weeks.
“More batting partnerships will be required if we are to give ourselves a chance.”
Out this week are Josh Dowling and Mark Porter and in come Marcus Green and Nick Halse.