Devon Cricket Board - Exmouth & Bradninch

Exmouth & Bradninch

PREMIER DIVISION
EXMOUTH skipper Richard Baggs is convinced the switch to win-or-lose cricket in the Premier Division is more significant than some clubs realise.
After 40 seasons playing a time-based format with scope for winning and losing draws, Premier games are now played to one-day international rules with fielding circles, power plays and free hits for no-balls.
Bowlers are limited to 10 overs – not 16 as was the case before – which means sides have to have broader based attacks.
Baggs (pictured) said it is going to be a massive learning curve and one which will have to be taken quickly.
“Win-lose cricket can go wrong very quickly, as we have all seen numerous times on the television,” said Baggs.
“If you are 50 for five batting second now, there is no hiding place, no losing draw you can scurry to.
“Captains and players will have to get used to powerplays, and fielding circles.
“Powerplays are going to be very interesting. People think of them as favouring the batting side, but take a few wickets in one and the game can change very quickly.
“It is going to be an interesting season…”
Baggs is always one of the busier captains on the close-season circuit and has had the registration pad out several times.
Key signings are Max Curtis, a former North Devon spinner looking for more bowling and batting time than he got at Instow, and Rhys Davis.
Davis, a keeper-batter, was with Tavistock last season. He is looking for Premier experience.
James Gibbons, a Navy all-rounder, has come on board, as has Western Australia rising star Akeal Hosein.
Hosein could be claimed by Australia in late July for U19 World Cup duty, which would leave Exmouth a player short at a crucial time of the season.
Baggs fancies Bovey Tracey to win it this season, saying: “I can’t see past them.”
On Exmouth’s chances, he added: “If we are not pushing in the top four I will be very disappointed.”

BRADNINCH captain Gary Chappell is looking for a change of attitude this season after a hit-and-miss campaign in 2011.
Chappell, whose side welcome Exmouth this Saturday, is always upbeat about challenging for the title – as are his team-mates.
Sometimes they got carried away last season and a lack of focus was reflected in a final finishing slot of seventh out of 10.
“Last year we were always looking at the end picture of pushing for the top of the league and lost focus in certain games against weaker sides where we should have been winning comfortably,” said Chappell.
“We always competed against the better sides and recorded victories against Sidmouth (2nd), Bovey (3rd) and a winning draw at champions North Devon.
“So we can compete with the best, it's just a case of consistency and performing week in, week out.
This year we will be focusing on one game at a time and respecting each side, putting plans into place for each opposing team.
“I am very confident in the talent we have at Bradninch and will be disappointed if we don't end up competing in the top half.”
Bradninch have dispensed with an overseas player this season, preferring to try building from within rather than strengthening from without.
“We have signed an opening bowler in Dan Milligan, who has moved down from Lancashire and has decent credentials with Lancashire 2nd XI,” said Chappell.
“Matt Golding, Arguably Devon's most prolific and talented youth player, has joined us and I believe he will attract the attention of the senior selectors sooner rather than later.
We have replaced the overseas player with a player-coach in Paul Tweddle, who has already been working hard with the side in the winter and pre-season, and improvements are being seen already.
“Paul is a keeper-batter and has had playing experience with Dorset Minor Counties and Somerset 2nd XI so is a great addition to the side.”
Chappell is enthusiastic about the new win-lose 50-over format in the Premier Division this season, which replaces the old system of winning and losing draws in operation since 1972. He thinks it will suit the way Bradnich play their cricket.
“Teams won't be able to rely on one or two bowlers bowling 15 overs and winning the game on their own, which I believe will benefit us.
“We don't really have any stand-out superstars and teams who rely on one or two individuals in the past may get found out this year.”

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