Devon Cricket Board - Promoted sides facing in opposite directions

Promoted sides facing in opposite directions

WHAT a contrast! The two sides promoted into the B Division this season go into the final lap at opposite ends of the table.
Ipplepen, who overhauled South Devon in the final third to go up as champions, are top of the tree in with six games to go.
South Devon, promoted as runners-up, are in danger of dropping straight back down again unless results improve in a hurry.
A seven-wicket defeat by Ipplepen last Saturday dropped South Devon to second from bottom. In a division with three relegation places, they have some work to do to reach safety and stay there.
South Devon were bowled out for 128 in the 41st of 45 overs with Jonty Parsons (32) just pipping Ryan Maunder for top scorer.
It was slow going at times with Nick Fairbank (1-22) and Paul Thomas (2-14) keeping it tight for the first 15 overs.
In a running score of 25 for two, South Devon had lost big-hitter Neil Hancock for four to Thomas.
Steve Bowden (4-28) was supported by Thomas and Ash Harvey (2-25) in the job of bowling out South Devon.
Pens’ chase started unconvincingly as they were 35 for three - two wickets for Jon Martin and a third for Hancock.
Hancock pulled up lame in his third over which did South Devon no favours at all.
A stand of 63 between Fairbank (68no) and Seb Powell got the chase going again. Harvey was the other not out batsman when the line was crossed.
Fairbank hit 12 fours and two sixes in his 51-ball innings, punishing some wayward bowling. Second top scorer with 27 was the extras column.
Pens are away to Chudleigh this Saturday. Before then they entertain Plymstock tomorrow (Thursday) night in the semi-finals of the Corinthian Cup.
South Devon are at home to Ivybridge this Saturday.

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