Devon Cricket Board - E Division

E Division - Kingdon slams 141

BABBACOMBE player-coach Andy Kingdon got over a blow on the head to smash 141 not out in a 136-run win over Kenn.

Kingdon, batting at three, went in when Paul Sutherland was dismissed at 47 and inadvertently had a hand in Steve Porter’s dismissal.

Porter smashed the ball back past bowler C Clay (3-31) and hit the cowering Kingdon on the back of the head while he was trying to duck out of the way.

Any other time the ball would have raced to the boundary, but on this occasion it looped up to give the fielder at deep mid-on an easy catch.

“It was the freakiest way to get out I have ever seen,” said Babbacombe skipper Steve Broad.

“The ball must have carried 20 meters after striking AK’s head. Steve looked bemused and AK somewhat dazed!

“It must have knocked some sense into him because he proceeded to hit an unbelievable 141 not out whilst then sharing a stand of 144 with Pugh (71) for the 3rd wicket.

“Whether Andy will remember much of his innings remains to be seen. It was pretty special though.”

Babbacombe finished on 290 for five, which soon looked too many for the Villagers.

Stapleton (0-22) and Kingdon (2-20) put Kenn behind the clock, then the parsimonious Paul Bates (4-19) turned the screw.

A super knock from Dave Murfin (72) and some stubborn resistance from Kevin Williams (20no) got Kenn to 154 for nine.

Skipper Stuart Broad was looking for a response after the defeat at Bridestowe seven days earlier and got it.

“I was very pleased with the response and determination shown following our defeat last weekend,” said Broad.

“We can still improve our fielding and catching and probably bowl a few less wides, although the new rules have caused most sides to suffer a few more this year.

“I don’t think we can improve our batting performances much. They have been very consistent and solid.

“Pugh and Kingdon are obviously going to score well due to the quality they have, but when they have failed this season others have taken the responsibility instead, which has been good for the side.”

Whimple bagged a fifth win in seven outings to stay firmly in the E Division promotion chase as they claimed a 23-run win over Kilmington in a thrilling East Devon derby.
Rich Brown top scored with 40 as Whimple, batting first, were bowled out for 196.

Phil Gillard (3-25) and skipper Ben Silk (3-52) then took the bulk of the wickets as Kilmington were bowled out for 173. Only Rob Meakins with 43 was able to make any real progress
On Saturday Whimple, who sit third in the E Division table just a single point behind second-placed Whitchurch travel to leaders Babbacombe who start the game 18 points better off having won six of their seven games so far this season.

Kilmington’s senior side travel to Kenn whilst the second eleven host Uplyme & Lyme Regis II.

Yarcombe and Stockland were beaten by 123 runs at high-flying Whitchurch meeting.
James Orpin top scored with an unbeaten 25 as Yarcombe were bundled out for 124 in reply to the home offering of 247-7 declared.
Billy Reed took 4-39 for Yarcombe.
On Saturday Yarcombe, who sit bottom of the table, entertain the side who sit immediately above them, Topsham St James.

Upottery claimed their second win in seven E Division outings as they beat hosts Topsham St James by three wickets.
Jason Kennard and Adam Pulman both struck half centuries as the villagers got home with three wickets to spare on 220-7.
This was after they had restricted the Bonfire Field side to 219-6.Next up for Matt Frost and his upwardly mobile outfit is Saturday’s trip to fourth-placed Bridestowe who sit 28 points above third bottom Upottery.
Phil Hatton clobbered 133 for Bridestowe, who chased 294 to win against Kentisbeare and got them with four wickets to spare.

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