WERRINGTON have made two changes from last weekend’s defeat to St Austell for tomorrow’s home clash with champions Wadebridge in the ECB Cornwall Premier League (12.30pm).
The Saints left Ladycross with a nine-run success last Saturday after the home side were set 184 to win in 45 overs, that target set by the DLS Method after a half-hour rain delay following St Austell’s 193 all out.
But with Werrington now well clear of danger, they know a victory tomorrow will likely see them end the day fifth as they go into the game eight points behind Wadebridge.
Skipper Nick Lawson is without opening batsman John Moon and off-spinner Mark Taskis.
Ryan Pooley returns after attending a wedding last Saturday while Leo McDonnell comes in from the seconds to provide a third spin option.
With Moon missing, skipper Nick Lawson will have to decide whether to open with himself or former captain Ben Smeeth, while Pooley should bat in the middle order after his 39 not out at St Just the week before.
Wadebridge have never seriously threatened to defend their title.
South African overseas Kevin Renecke went home a few games in due to a visa issue, while they have been unable to get their best side out on a regular basis.
WERRINGTON v Wadebridge: Sam Hockin, Nick Lawson (capt, wkt), Adam Hodgson, Thulina Dilshan, Mark Gribble, Ryan Pooley, Ben Smeeth, Ben Jenkin, George Rickard, Dan Barnard, Leo McDonnell.
WERRINGTON Seconds have a 29-point cushion at the top of the Division Two East going into tomorrow’s clash at St Blazey, and Jason Seldon’s side will then hope for a favour from their opponents when they welcome St Austell Seconds on Sunday.
Werrington’s lead is caveated by the fact St Austell have two games in-hand, so if St Austell go the rest of the season unbeaten, they will win promotion.
But one slip up from the Saints will mean every bonus point will matter, and with St Blazey and St Austell hardly enjoying the friendliest of rivalries, Blazey will be desperate to put one over on their neighbours.
But for that to matter, Werrington will need to win at the Philip Varcoe Sports Ground on Saturday, and are, for the first time all season, able to name an unchanged side.
They produced a three-wicket win at Menheniot-Looe last week, but will need to up their levels against a Blazey side that could finish as high as third.
WERRINGTON SECONDS at St Blazey: Rob May, Dan Howgill, Tom Lyle, Hugh Tomkinson, Marley May, Billy Uglow, James Adams, Rob Dymond (wkt), Jason Seldon, Ian Searle, Nick Oldaker.
WERRINGTON Thirds are 20 points adrift of finishing outside of the bottom four ahead of tomorrow’s must-win clash at home to Grampound Road Seconds.
Ian Wills’ side are likely to need to win three, even four of their final four outings to survive, and have to do without key man Paul Miller due to a hamstring injury suffered last Saturday, and in-form batsman Dan Warring.
They do welcome back Adam Paynter and Richard Stanbury to the side, but the rest of the batting will need to step up.
WERRINGTON THIRDS v Grampound Road Seconds: Adam Paynter, Ed Walters (wkt), Simon Bishop, Ian Wills (capt), Zander Zambuni, Richard Stanbury, Ian Worsnip, Dan Jenkin, Tyler May, Sam Smeeth, Nick Wills.
The mid-table fourths visit Holsworthy Seconds who are still in with a shout of finishing second in Division Five East.