Promotion hopefuls aim for maximum points haul

HEATHCOAT can take a massive step towards promotion by winning at bottom side Tavistock tomorrow.

Liam Lewis and his men are 34 points up on third-placed Cornwood and looking a good bet for a return to Premier cricket after an absence of more than a decade, probably as runners-up behind Exmouth.

Heathcoat still have Cornwood to play on the penultimate Saturday of the season, which could be tricky if they don’t keep winning between now and then.

Skipper Lewis says his side are fully focused on going up and don’t want to leave anything to chance.

“We need to make sure we take full points from Tavistock, who proved against Exmouth they can give any side in the league a run for their money on their day,” said Lewis.

“Everyone at the club has put in a huge effort this season and we are in a strong position.

“However, we are a good young side and we need to carry on playing positive cricket if we are to reach our goal.

“Ideally we would not want to be going into the last game needing a win, therefore the next couple of weeks are vital.”

Spinner Jack Menheneott comes back into the side for Sam Medley. Matt Hague replaces Paul Elliott, who is on holiday.”

Exmouth will be going all out for the A Division title now promotion is almost in the bag.

Last Saturday’s hard-earned win over lowly South Devon, which Baggs said was more difficult than it looked on paper, put Exmouth 49 points clear of third-placed Cornwood.

Exmouth entertain Alphington on the Maer Ground tomorrow (1.30pm) and Baggs believes that if they win the only threat to their title hopes will come from second-placed Heathcoat.

“If we beat Alphington, then Cornwood are going to need to take 80 points from the last 80 to play for, which ain’t going to happen,” said Baggs.

“That leaves a straight fight between us and Heathcoat for the title and I am determined we are going to win it.

“Having been top of the table for so long, I don’t think anyone could argue that we would not be worthy champions.

“Heathcoat can’t complain. We have had the best of both games against them this season by 13 or 14 points.”

While Exmouth will be unchanged, Alphington have to bring in Chris Horn for unavailable all-rounder Paul James.

Alphington have played their way up the table in recent weeks and skipper Stuart Shaw is looking forward to a day out at Exmouth with little or no pressure.

“Exmouth is one of the best surfaces to bat on in the league, if not the best, and our batters are keen to get on it,” said Shaw. “It will require a strong performance on our part to win there, but it’s not beyond the bounds of possibility.

“We can afford to be relaxed and enjoy our cricket. I can see in the games coming up where we can pick up the points which will guarantee our continuation in this division next season.”

Sandford captain Adrian Small is taking the long view ahead of tomorrow’s Creedy Park meeting with Cornwood.

While Cornwood retain slender hopes of catching Heathcoat for the second promotion place, Sandford are now out of the running.

Last Saturday’s eight-wicket drubbing by Heathcoat signalled the end of Sandford’s hopes of going straight back into the top flight.

Small still wants to lead Sandford back into the Premier Division and the 2011 season starts tomorrow.

“We are entering a phase where we are trying to put a side together capable of returning us to the Premier Division — and every game is crucial to that project,” said Small.

“There are players in the second team, like Shaun Hawkins, who have been performing consistently well and now is the time to find out if they are good enough for the first team.

“There will be chances for others between now and the end of the season to see if they can cut it.”

Keeper-batsman Hawkins gets his chance as Mike Gupthill-Bunce has a thumb injury which may stop him keeping. Seamer Gary Binns returns after a weekend off, which means Mike Durand and Shane Evenden drop to the seconds.

South Devon are trying not to feel the pressure too much going into their basement derby clash with Abbotskerswell.

A run of six defeats on the bounce has dropped South Devon down to three off the bottom. Barton went past them last Saturday after their win over bottom side Tavistock.

While winless Tavistock are doomed — they are 55 points away from South Devon — Abbots have the time to scramble to safety.

David Knowles, the South Devon captain, said there was no room left for error for his side now.

“There is more pressure on Abbots than us as they have to win by a distance to get ahead of us,” said Knowles. “Our first priority is not to lose and after that we have to do our best to win the game if we can.”

Batsman Matt Blackmore comes into the side for Ben Chadwick, who drops down to assist the seconds.