Relegation is confirmed for poor Plympton

PLYMPTON’S relegation fate was sealed by a nine-wicket defeat by Paignton that condemned them to A Division cricket next season.

- CONRAD SUTCLIFFE

PREMIER DIVISION

Plympton have been bottom of the Premier table since week one and the formality of relegation was only a matter of time.

That time has now come as Plympton are 66 points away from safety at the foot of the table with 60 left to play for.

Paignton, who were directly above Plympton in the second relegation place going into the match, lifted themselves out of the bottom two thanks to this win.

Paignton (147pts) are not out of danger yet though as they have Bovey Tracey (138) and Heathcoat (148) either side of them, neither of whom are safe.

And the last-day encounter between Bovey Tracey and Paignton, could well decide who goes down with Plympton.

Close season departures that saw Justin Wubbeling, the Caunter brothers and Devon pair Ben Privett and Jonty Walliker all leave Harewood Park for one reason or another, had a lot to do with Plympton’s problems this season.

Adrian Manuell, the Plympton chairman, said relegation has not come as a surprise.

“We knew before the start of the season what our fate would be – and are all looking forward to September!” said Manuell.

“The club is going through some root-and-branch changes at the moment, which include developing the young players we have got.

“We have tried to make the first team as competitive as possible over the season, which has meant our seconds and thirds have not always been as strong as we might have liked. There is a real possibility all three of our sides could be relegated.

“Our young players have been exposed to what Premier cricket requires. The experience will help us next season when, I am confident, we will hold our own in the A Division.

“One thing we have realised is we relied for some time on a squad of around 13. You cannot lose as many as we did from a squad of that size.