Devon Cricket Board - Pens target promotion push

Pens target promotion push

IPPLEPEN will be going flat out for promotion from the C Division in 2013 after two near misses.

The Moor Lane club finished third last season, 19 points short of going up and 23 points shy of the mark in 2012.

It has been a while since the Pens last graced the B Division. They were promoted into it in 1992 as runners-up behind Westleigh – and survived until 1999 when they dropped down into the C alongside Plymouth Civil Service.

Head coach Chris Partridge and club captain Keith Wakeham aim to focus on player development and improved training at all levels, especially in the senior ranks, as they aim to prepare for a promotion push in 2014.

“We feel we have plenty of playing talent in our ranks and strength in depth as well – borne out by our 2nd XI finishing fourth in the A Division last year – but we need to find an extra 10 per cent to get the 1st XI in the top two this year,” said Partridge.

All Ipplepen senior teams will be placing more focus on mental preparation and playing to game plans, with structured training sessions and a new fitness regime set to benefit players across all three league teams.

Captain Wakeham said small adjustments could make a big difference.

“When we look at the teams who have finished above us in the last two years, the obvious difference between them and us has been that every player has known their job with bat, ball and in the field,” said Wakeham.

“We have a young and talented group of players, but some of them have to acknowledge that they can’t just rock up an hour before the start, half asleep, and expect to beat the top teams.”

The club are keeping details of potential recruits under wraps for the time being. It is likely any new-comers will 1st XI standard – with overseas help likely to follow the well-trodden route from North Island, New Zealand.

Indoor senior training starts on Sunday, February 23 at Coombeshead School (11am).

Juniors are enjoying a range of sessions spread between South Dartmoor College and Paignton College.

Anyone interested in joining Ipplepen should contact Partridge on 07887 513 800 or Wakeham on 07540 053 489.

Off the field a three-year development plan has been drawn up to make significant improvements to facilities at the club, which are now creaking under the strain of running four senior and nine junior teams.

Due to substantial growth over the last 10 years, with playing membership up to 150 players across junior and senior cricket, a new pavilion that can accommodate the size and scope of the current club is needed.

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