Devon Cricket Board - Exmouth there to be shot at says Baggs

Exmouth there to be shot at says Baggs

EXMOUTH go into their first game of the season short or match practice thanks to the weather.
Two of three planned warm-up games were washed off, leaving Exmouth ‘under-prepared’ in the words of skipper Richard Baggs.
And in the one game that did get played, a win over Bradninch, captain Baggs pulled a hamstring and is 50-50 or less to play against Heathcoat on Saturday.
“I have been having extensive physio, but think it is doubtful I will play this week or against Bovey Tracey next week,” said Baggs, who will pass the reins to Gary Chappell if necessary.
The defending champions know they will be a prized scalp this season and face a stiff ask retaining the title.
“Firstly, as champions we are there to be knocked off our perch and every side we play will want to do that,” said Baggs.
“Also, I think the Prem is going to be a lot tougher this year as most of the sides seem to have strengthened.
“I hear people saying Exeter are stronger, Bovey and Torquay look powerful because of their overseas players and Plymouth could be in with a shot.
“To my mind Cornwood are a very dangerous side now they have got Jackson Thompson on board. He can take a game away from you in a few overs.
“With out depth of batting, seam bowling and the best spinner in the county (Chappell), I think we have a very good chance if we keep working hard.”
Exmouth have parted company with Devon seamer Mark Orchard, who has gone back to Brixham, and George Greenway to Exeter.
Back at the Maer is former Devon captain Bob Dawson, who last played for the club in 1996.
Baggs had hoped to give Devon age-group player Ollie Dawe his first team debut against Bovey, but that plan has been shelved due to registration problems.
Left-armer Matt Tarry gets a rare 1^st XI outing in Dawe’s absence.

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