Devon Cricket Board - B Division: South Devon up despite defeat

B Division: South Devon up despite defeat

B DIVISION

SOUTH Devon clinched promotion back to the A Division at the first attempt despite going down by seven wickets at Axminster.

Plymstock were already up as champions before they lost by seven wickets at Tavistock, leaving a straight fight between South Devon and Chudleigh for second place.

South Devon were bowled out for 142 at Axminster, who won at a gallop.

Chudleigh were 80 for four chasing 153 to win at Barnstaple & Pilton when rain stopped play with 28 overs togo.

South Devon’s 12-point advantage going into the final round if fixtures saw them through, although Chudleigh will probably feel a little hard done by having won two more games.

Tom Carter top scored on 48 for South Devon, but only Kevin Murphy (25) offered worthwhile support as they were bowled out by Mark Richards (5-49) and Alex Wraight (2-25).

Dave Murnane bashed a depleted South Devon attack around for 67, Dan Larcombe chipped in with 22 them Tristan Wakeley (21no) and Joel Seward (17no) wrapped things p.

Part one went well for Chudleigh against B&P as Tersius Gouws (4-50) and Jack Vittles (4-34) spun out the home side fir 152.

Tom Popham made 56 – he and George McEndoo (23) got the score up to 73 for two – which didn’t leave much from the rest.

Jack Popham (2-12) was among the wickets for B&P before the rain came.

Chudleigh skipper Jon Martin said while the outcome at Barnstaple wasn’t ideal, one game wasn’t the reason why his side had missed out.

“We are disappointed to miss out the way we having two of our last three games called off and a abandonment, when we were in a winning position needing 70 from 18 overs with six wickets in hand ,” said Martin.

“We can't put it down to Saturday though as I can think of four or five games in which we should of secured the points required before then.

“I am extremely proud of my boys this year and the way that they have applied and conducted themselves on the pitch.

“Here's to next season when they'll be a year older and more experienced and we'll give it another go.

“I will finish by congratulating both teams who have gone up. Tables don't lie over 18 weeks.”

Chagford’s slender hopes of staying up went west when they lost by 64 runs to visitint Dartington & Totnes

The writing was on the wall for Chagford as D&T raced to 178 for one with Kalon Beale stroking 104 and Kyle Blanchad 52 in a total of 178 for one. Ryan Stevenson was the batsman who missed out.

Chagford were all out for 124 in reply as Stevenson (4-11), Dave Carter (2-30) and Harry Baxendale (2-54) ran through them.

Derek Lammonby (57) did resist, but after the top five batters only managed 14 between them he was always on a hiding to nothing.

Clyst St George were already relegated before they suffered a 158-run drubbing by Thorverton.

Thorverton – a team to watch out for next season – clocked up 308 for seven with Paul Fielder and Blake Charlton leading the way.

Ally Fury (47) and Fielder (88) put on 79 for the first wicket then Charlton (62) joined Fielder to add another 120.

Mark Johnson’s three for 55 was as good as it got for Clyst’s bowlers. Pete Weatherhead suffered, going for 77 in nine overs.

Nick Barton then took three for 39 as Clyst were bowled out for 150. Charlton (2-35) and Gwillam Crouch (2-22) assisted.

Skipper Matt Cook (40no) was the only score of note.

Tavistock put a marker down for next season when they trounced champions Plymstock by seven wickets.

Plymstock were all out for 141 after a going over from Sean Daymond (5-30), Lee Baker (2-25) and Dave Downham (2-24).

Dave Orchard made 20 and Dom Wood 31, but otherwise it was forgettable stuff.

Aaron Churchill (51no) and Dave Manning (31no) put on 85 unbroken to win the game for Tavvy, who finished fourth just six points short of second place.

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