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Search forSecond best will be just right for Minett
Friday, August 29, 2008, 10:00
First-team batsman Paul Thompson and bowler James Nicholls are named in the seconds for their fixture at Sandford's Creedy Park.
The reason for the tactical switch is that Plymouth II (116 points) lie second from bottom in the Second XI Premier Division, just above South Devon (104), in a league where just one team drops down to A Division.
First-team skipper Luke Minett anticipates South Devon will field several of their first-teamers for their home clash with Exeter Civil Service II in a bid to send the city side down instead.
If that were to happen, Plymouth III, who have already clinched promotion to A Division, would not be able to go up, because league rules do not allow two teams from the same club to play in the same division.
Stepping up to Plymouth's firsts are George Stephenson and John Meredith for the Peverell Park clash against fourth-placed Sandford.
Minett's men put themselves in the comfort zone with a four-wicket win at North Devon last Saturday, and a handful of points tomorrow would end all speculation and fears of the drop back to first XI A Division cricket next year.
Dave Burke took four for 24, including a hat-trick as North Devon totalled 168-8, while openers Chris Barr (52) and Callum Whittaker (35) and Jack Bryant (38) got Plymouth off to a sound start in reply.
"Although Sandford will be a tough match for us, we should be strong enough to gain the points needed to stay out of the relegation places," said Minett.
"I should think they (Sandford), who have a number of players in the Devon set-up, will think they have under-achieved this year.
"So, while we're expecting a good test, it's also important we help our seconds stay up too.
"South Devon's firsts have nothing to play for in A Division and we're sure they'll have a strong side out in their second-team fixture.
"Basically, we've added Paul and James to the seconds just as a precaution – because it would be harsh on our thirds if they were denied promotion.
Plymouth: C Whittaker, C Barr, J Bryant, L Minett (capt), B Ferrao, M Thompson, D Burke, G Stephenson, K Barlow, J Meredith, A Horrill.
PLYMPTON have the chance to end their season on a high and clinch another third-placed finish against champions-elect Sidmouth at Harewood Park tomorrow (1pm).
For their final fixture of the term, Keith Donohue's team host the league leaders having gained an exciting six-run victory over second-placed Budleigh Salterton last weekend.
Jeremy Williams (38) and Lewis Gregory (36) were the main run-getters for Plympton in last weekend's low-scoring encounter at Ottermouth.
Chasing Plympton's 119, Devon spinner Arwyn Jones took four for 34 and Gregory three for 24 as the hosts, with county allrounder Rob Newman unbeaten on 50, just failed to sneak the win after looking favourites to do so going into the final four overs.
Plympton (probable): C Bunney, D Wrench, L Gregory, D Rowbotham, A Trevarthen, M Wasim, K Prescott, K Donohue (capt), J Williams, C Miles, C Donohue.
OLD Suttonians Cricket Club are marking their 60th anniversary with a match between players past and present at Mount Wise on Sunday (2.30pm).
One Old Sutts XI will be made up solely of former students, with the opposition coming from a club XI made up of players from this and previous eras.
Organisers invite as many former club members or Old Sutts to come along for a chat and a drink.
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