Devon Cricket Board - Whittaker eager to get stuck in

Whittaker eager to get stuck in

PLYMOUTH skipper Callum Whittaker can’t wait to get stuck into Sidmouth in this afternoon’s Devon Cup final at Bovey Tracey (noon).

The city side have had an indifferent season in the Premier Division and finished slap-bang in mid-table.

Winning the cup would give Plymouth something to show for their efforts over the season – and the history books are on their side.

Only Paignton with seven have won more Devon Cup finals than Plymouth (6), although their last win was way back in 1994 when they defeated Bovey Tracey at Exmouth in a game memorable for being interrupted by an August hail storm!

The only storm Whittaker is interested in whipping up this time is a pressure on as he intends to send Sidmouth home empty handed.

‘Sidmouth have a dangerous side but I think we have match winners throughout with both bat and ball who can make the difference,” said Whittaker.

‘It'll be a great game, all the boys are bang up for it. Sidmouth will be in for a real battle!

‘We have talked at length about how we can improve our game and I think we are a bit to respectful and friendly with their lads - and receive nothing like that in return!

They can expect nothing of that sort until the last ball is bowled. Bring it on!”

Having made it to the Devon T20 finals day and lost, Whittaker’s men don’t lack motivation to go one better this time.

Sidmouth skipper Will Murray has a healthy respect for Plymouth in all short forms of the game, which is only right and proper looking at the evidence.

In recent seasons they have dominated the Plymouth T20 and won the Corinthian Cup.

However, the last two 40-over meetings between the sides have gone Plymouth’s way.

‘Our league game against Sidmouth last Saturday was reduced to 40 overs, which we won, and then there was the 2009 Devon Cup final at Sandford,’ said Murray.

‘We won a cracking game by 46 runs – Neil Hancock got a century – and I would like to think we can beat them again.

‘Plymouth are a good limited-overs side with aggressive batters complimented by Doug Hewitt, who is the sort who is made for batting through the middle order.

‘We have our match winners in Anthony Griffiths, Nick Gingell, and Will Gater of course.

‘Will’s last three scores against Plymouth are 52, 67 and 85 so I don’t suppose they will be looking forward to seeing him again.

‘Griff can get on with it or play the anchorman and Nick is the sort of player who always gets involved.

‘If it isn’t runs it is wickets with him –just like the last cup final against Sidmouth when he was used as the sixth bowler and took four wickets.

‘Josh Bess is with the county, but as Neil Hancock can’t get the time off work he hasn’t gone. I don’t think Plymouth need reminding what a dangerous player he is.’

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