Devon Cricket Board - Plympton nearly up after win over leaders

Plympton nearly up after win over leaders

PLYMPTON are within touching distance of the Premier Division after seeing off leaders Paignton in the top-of-the-table clash at Harewood House.
Paignton did enough in an 85-run defeat to make sure of a top-two spot in the final table.
Plympton only need three more points against Chudleigh this Saturday in the final round of matches to be sure of the other promotion place.
The only threat left is from Bradninch, who would have to thrash Budleigh and hope Plympton lose badly in their game.
Plympton recovered from a patchy start – they were 73 for four – to make 231 for five.
Paignton never really got going – they were 73 for three at halfway – and could only muster 146 for eight in reply.
Skipper James Carr is quietly confident his side will get the points they need to return to the top draw for the first time since 2011, when they were relegated… along with Paignton.
“It was an awesome effort,” said Carr. “We played like we know we can and beat Paignton comfortably.
“Chris Bunney and Wes Hartsleif batted brilliantly to get us into the position we did and we were confident of defending it.
“We've proven over the season along with Paignton that we are the best teams in the division.”
Carr’s tribute to Bunney and Hartsleif was fully justified as they got Plympton out of a spot.
Paignton’s bowlers, George Yates, George Benton, Rob Shergold and Stephen George, had applied a firm brake to proceedings.
Hartsleif (88) and Bunney (48no) knocked up 122 for the fifth wicket to speed things along.
George finished with three for 47.
Paignton lost opener Ollie Higgs at the end of the first over and dangerman Zubyar Hamza (27) at 35 to Ryan Skinner.
Jamie Lee (1-13) and Ross Farrer (2-17) bowled mean spells costing less than two an over as Paignton’s batters blocked along.
At 56 for six an early finish looked likely, but Benton had other ideas.
Benton batted through for an unbeaten 63 off 81 balls to give the scoreline an element of respectability.
Paignton skipper Connor Bryan said it wasn;t a case of what his side did wrong but what Plympton did right.
And he intends to finish on a high note against Barton this Saturday.
“Plympton had a good partnership towards the end of their innings, which turned a par score into a very good score,” said Bryan.
“We never really got started, but we will be back next week against Barton.”

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