Devon Cricket Board - B Divison previews - Rival skips agree its tight

B Divison previews - Rival skips agree its tight

IVYBRIDBGE entertain Bideford looking to come back from a seven-run defeat at Tavistock.
“Last week’s results showed how open this league is, so expecting another close game against Bideford,” said Ivybridge captain Gareth Andrews, who is fit again after a back problem.
“Looking forward to hopefully playing at home for the first time this season after having all four 1st XI games called off so far -including two pre-season friendlies.”
Harry Solomon and Andrews come in for Josh Zimmerman and Jimmy Bullock.
Bideford are marking time in fourth place after successive defeats by Tavistock and Axminster.
“Needless to say we need a result and Ivybridge away wont be easy,” said Bideford captain James Ford.
“The league is now looking more competitive than most thought at the start of the season.”
James Corry comes in for Matt Shepherd. Keeper-batter Matt Allin may be back next week.
Axminster skipper Tristan Wakeley hopes his side can carry on where they left off against Bideford when they go to Braunton.
Matthew Pyle is back from holiday, but Paul Miller has injured himself and may be a doubt.
Braunton leader Ian Roberts has taken note of Axminster’s win over Bideford and knows his team have to improve after losing at Thorverton.
“We bowled well first half last week, but let it slip in last 15 overs, something we need to address.
“Axminster had a good win last week and we know they will be right up for it .
“Our top order are more than capable of scoring runs, but need to dig a little more and stop gifting teams soft wickets.
“There is a good mood in the camp and looking forward to the weekend.”
Matt Smith, Alex Hodges and Tom Robotham are all back in the team.
STOKE Gabriel skipper Mark Gilmour is looking forward to the rest of the season with some optimism after belatedly getting off the mark with a one-wicket win at Shobrooke Park.
An unbeaten century from Seb Ansley – he made 103 off 125 balls – saw Stoke to their first win of the season.
Having gone four games without a win and with depleted sides on parade, Gilmour believes Stoke have turned the corner.
“I have got three players back and committed now after a long football season and other commitments,” said Gilmour.
“Confidence has been boosted massively and there is good feeling in the changing room.
“With a more experienced team out it showed on the pitch as we came out on top in a 50-50 game.
“Shobrooke park will be a hard side to beat this year and the fact we turned them over on their patch bodes well for the rest of the season.”
Plymstock have only won once this season and if the lean pickings continue are in danger of being sucked into the bottom two.
Skipper James Nichols had hoped Plymstock would be challenging for promotion this season, but right now a prompt return to the A Division looks unlikely.
“I'm confident with a win under our belts we will start to pick up results and get a bit more confidence into the boys,” said Nichols.
“I don't know huge amounts about Stoke, but I am sure they will have some talented cricketers and they will be buoyed by a good win last weekend.
“We expect a tough game which we have prepped very well for and we as a group are ready for.”
In the wake of last Saturday’s defeat on the chase at Barnstaple, the skipper as reworked the batting order.
“I am going to go in at three to try and take responsibility with Dean Fulco and Dave Orchard looking to build good platforms for our stroke makers.
“Training has been very good and intense and I'm very pleased with the efforts my guys are showing in working on their own form.”
Josh Hocken, George Barnicott and Callum Cload aren't available but Orchard, 2nd XI skipper Ian Whalley and Danny Dyer come in.
“We bat to 11 this week, and have a lot of bowling options, so as a captain I'm very pleased.
“And to get Whalls in is ideal he's a great club man and should be a 1st team cricketer so this is great news.”
THORVERTON face Shobrooke Park in the mid-Devon derby looking to stay in touch with Tavistock at the top and ahead of Ivybridge in third.
Tim Phillips is in for the unavailable James Maxwell. There is a fitness doubt over Will Denford who's nursing a shoulder injury.
“We are all very keen for a derby match and to continue our winning run. Just hope it stops raining,” said captain Graham White.

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