Devon Cricket Board - B Division previews - Braunton parade Zimbabwean signing

THORVERTON have re-signed keeper-batsman George Greed from Sandford and he goes straight back in the team for the top-of-the-table clash with Tavistock.

Greed left Thors two years ago for Sandford intending to test himself at a better level.

Other commitments then got in the way of cricket at Premier level and the choice of returning to Thorverton seemed a good one.

Thors need some more batting and opener Greed fits the bill nicely.

“George joins at the perfect time to freshen up our batting,” said Thorverton skipper Graham White.

Stuart Tait is back in as third seamer as Thors try to do something about the 24-point gap between them and Tavvy at the top.

Tavvy will be a couple of bowlers light as skipper Shaun Daymond and seamer James McGahey are missing.

Dave Manning returns after injury behind the stumps to captain the side. Tim Pope is called in.

“Our batting is very strong this week, if the bowlers can step up as they have been, we will be looking for the points,” said Daymond, who will be at a wedding.

Opposite number Graham White said: “It will be a hard one, but no reason for us not to be confident.

“Very keen for a big game to show what we're all about.”

Braunton will unveil new overseas signing Artwell Nyambanje from Zimbabwe in the derby clash with Bideford.

All rounder Nyambanje was at the Bracewell Academy in New Zealsn during the winter with former Braunton player Jas Kalsi, who is currently with North Devon.

Matt Smith is injured and Alfie Huxtable is away. In come Alex Hodges and the new man.

Skipper Ian Roberts is looking for improvements after the loss to Shobrooke Park last time out.

“I was happy with how we batted last week, but lacked the depth in our bowling, which sadly cost us as well as the dropped catches,” said Roberts.

“It should be a good game. Bideford have started really well this season, but a win will put us back in the mix.”

Bideford, third in the table six points behind Thorverton, are without Alex Hannam and Mike Lemmings.

Quick left-armer Martin Stewart and hard-hitting Mat Shepard come in.

“Braunton look to be getting stronger through the season, which is good considering where they were at the start of the season,” said skipper James Ford.

“Hopefully, it will be another good local derby.”

Bideford defeated Barnstaple last time out, leaving Steve Moore’s men one place and six points off the bottom of the table.

Barnstaple are at home to Shobrooke Park hoping to get back to winning ways.

Moore knows why his side are struggling: no one is making the big scores needed to set or chase totals.

“Our next four games are massive for us, we do need to improve in certain areas,” said Moore.

“Some players need to put in match-winning performances as getting 20 or 30 each week is not good enough.

“But I have great confidence in our young side that we can turn this season around.”

In come Brady Saunders, who has just returned from overseas, and Tom Popham, Paul Schiller and Danny Donovan.

Players out Lee Cole, James Roe and Jack Moore who made a promising debut last week, but misses out to accommodate an extra spinner on a track Moore predicts will turn.”

Two sides on the up after indifferent starts to the season meet at Ivybridge where near neighbours Plymstock are the visitors.

Ivybridge are up to fourth after beating Axminster while Plymstock are right behind in fifth thanks to a win at Thorverton.

“I believe we are getting better after a stop-start, beginning to the season but expecting another close game against Plymstock, who are also are improving,” said Ivybridge captain Gareth Andrews.

James Nichols, the Plymstock captain, wants to keep his side’s winning run going.

“It's always good fun having a derby game but at the end of the day it's another game of cricket we are looking to win,” said Nichols.

“We know they are a good side who play hard cricket, so our standards will need to be as high as they have been in the last few weeks.

“There's always room for improvement and I think we could still save more in the field.

“Bowling wise, I couldn't ask for more they've been brilliant and our batting is slowly but surely coming together as guys are getting to understand their roles in the line-up.”

Seb Jordan is missing so Plymstock have Steve Rowe taking the new ball.

“He swings it and has good energy so I'm looking forward to seeing him go about his work,” said Nichols.

Josh Sumner and Morgan Parkinson drop to the seconds to bring back in Scott Mansfield and David Orchard.

Ivybridge show one change from last week. Josh Zimmerman returns for Adam Huxtable.

“I'm still injured so will only bat if required,” revealed Andrews.

Axmister entetain bottom side Stoke Gabriel with a bounce-back win top of the agenda.

“Disappointed with last week’s batting performance, but that's gone now and we will be looking to take the lion’s share of points this week,” said skipper Tristan Wakeley who has Gary Larcombe back to stiffen the early order.

Stoke are 25 points adrift at the bottom of the table and the team they have to catch is Axminster, which is an added incentive to win the game.

Skipper Mark Gilmour has already told the players what is expected of them.

“I have spoken in depth with the team prior to this game and have told them I want another win on the board,” said Gilmour.

“Whoever is selected has to give 110 per cent for 90 overs of cricket for that win.”

Stoke will be shorthanded this weel as Ian Coulton is injured, Seb Ansley is playing hockey, Kris Davis is at a wedding and keeper Bill Alcock is injured.

“We need a win sooner rather than later, but we are making it difficult for ourselves week in week out by not being consistent with the teams we’re fielding and the performances we are showing,” said Gilmour.

“Definitely a lot of pressure on myself, Jack Tolley and Mark Newman for runs this week and wickets really as I have got too find another 18 overs without Seb and Kris.”