BOB Dawson will miss a Devon game for the first time in 11 seasons when Devon face Cheshire at Nantwich in the Minor Counties Championship from tomorrow.

Devon had intended to stick with the 12 who were on top for two days against Wiltshire at Exmouth before rain robbed them of the chance to complete an outright win.

Since the squad was announced last week, opening batsman Chris Mole has dropped out due to a hand injury and former captain Dawson has withdrawn due to work commitments.

It is the first time the ex-skipper has missed a championship match since returning from Gloucestershire at the end of 1999. He played in 69 consecutive games during that period.

"I couldn't get the time off work, but will be available again for Oxfordshire at Sidmouth in two weeks' time," said Dawson.

Seb Benton will open up with Matt Thompson — Devon's fifth opening partnership in as many games this season — while Andy Kingdon is in if an extra batsman is needed.

The hard-hitting left-hander from Bovey Tracey is averaging more than 60 in Premier cricket this term.

Roger Newman, Devon's director of coaching, said selecting an early order replacement for Mole had not been easy.

"There are a number of players catching the eye in the Premier Division, such as James Toms (Plymouth), the North Devon lads Bowser and Bettis, as well as Seb Benton," said Newman.

"Toms has just appeared on the radar and I will make a point of having a look at him again this season.

"Neil Bettis can't get time off either so that ruled him out. Seb came in at a similar stage last season and did pretty well for us then.

"Dan Bowser is possibly a bit unlucky not to come back in and I know he will be disappointed, but Seb has performed well for Cardiff UCCE this season."

Devon need a win over third-placed Cheshire to stand any chance of winning the Western Division title. They trail leaders Dorset by 18 points.

A Cornwall win over Dorset at St Austell would not do Devon's chances any harm. Neither would a win for Shropshire (4th) over second-placed Berskhire.

Devon have only played once before at Nantwich back in 1983 under the captaincy of Barrie Matthews. Exeter's Gary Wallen scored 112 for Devon's in a game that ended as a draw.

Devon (from): N D Hancock (Sidmouth), AP W Allen (Budleigh), J J Bess (Sidmouth), I E Bishop (Budleigh), C Bradley (Bovey Tracey), S R Benton (Paignton, R J Holman (Exeter), D F Lye (Exmouth), A Kingdon (Bovey Tracey), C L Metters (Exmouth), M W Thompson (Torquay).

Cheshire (from): M R Dawson, J P Kettle, J A Duffy, B J Spendlove, L F Dixon, A J Hall, N R C Dumelow, D O Berry, R J Logan, J E L Hawley, J M Fawcett, J Warrington.

Umpires: B W Reidy & A Bullock.

Devon officials are trying to contact former players from the 1960s, 70s and 80s to join their new past players' association. Contact David Post on 01803 664420 for more details.