Devon Cricket Board - Bideford back up to second

Bideford back up to second

BIDEFORD stole back in front of Thorverton in the pile-up at the top of the B Division table thanks to a thumping nine-wicket win over Axminster.
Axminster were not at full strength, but would have expected to make more than 114 all out in 36.2 overs.
Paul Heard (3-6) did the early damage as Axminster struggled to 32 for five.
There was a hold up while Matt Pyle knocked up 50 – his 53-run stand with Dave Field was as good as it got for Axminster – but once Pyle went at 102 wickets tumbled.
Axminster lost their last four wickets for 12 runs as Martin Stewart (2-19) and Alex Hannam (3-9) finished what Heard started.
Skipper James Ford (16) was Bideford’s only casualty on the chase. He fell to Pyle at 28.
Surviving opener Jordan Roach (57) and Chris Luxton (28) were the not out batters when Bideford cruised home in the 21^st over.
“Paul Heard and Fred King bowled well with good pace to get us on top from the start, “ said Ford.
It’s tight at the top of the B Division table with Tavistock (206pts), Bideford (197), Thorverton (195) and Ivybridge (194) all jostling for position.
Bideford have Ivybridge at home this Saturday, followed by Barnstaple then Braunton before meeting Thorverton on the final day.
“Alex Hannam and quickie turned spinner Martin Stewart mopped up the tail.
“Our plan was to attack from the start and secure all 22 points.
“There will be tougher games in the next few weeks, but we are giving ourselves a chance.”

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