Devon Cricket Board - Kerton puts skids under Bovey Tracey

Kerton puts skids under Bovey Tracey

PLYMOUTH took a huge step towards Premier Division safety when they beat visiting Bovey Tracey by 39 runs.
Mike Simmers and George Stephenson led the way with half centuries as Plymouth totalled 239 for nine in the full 50 overs.
Bovey lost run machine Malcolm Lake in the first over of their reply – caught behind off Dave Burke – but recovered during a stand of 116 between skipper Peter Bradley and Lewis Hammett.
Bovey lost their way between 152 for to and 177 for six and with Hal Kerton taking four for 11 were all out for 200.
Plymouth came away from the game virtually assured of survival as they are now 32 points clear of the second relegation place.
Non-playing captain Sam Stein – sidelined with a hamstring strain – said he was confident the worst is now behind Plymouth.
“We are just about there now, but need to make sure we pick up a few more points in our final three games,” said Stein.
“Heathcoat in our last game could be tricky if they are still scrapping for survival then.
“Our next two games are Exmouth and Sidmouth and as long as we get points from both of them we will be fine.”
Ryan Bougourd (2-43) and Lake (2-36) were a handful with the new ball for Plymouth, who were 41 for three when Jake Luffman followed Ben Stein and Harry Ramsden back into the pavilion.
Openers Simmers (62) and Stephenson (72) took Plymouth along to 137 for four.
Charlie Sheen broke the stand by having Simmers caught at slip, but Stephenson kept going.
Matt Golding (3-43) had Stephenson stumped at 186 for six, with nine over to go, but the tail wagged to good effect.
Last pair Dan Goodey (16no) and Burke (10no) added 26 which proved decisive in the final tottings up.
Zimbabwean Lake doesn’t fail often so having him caught behind second ball was a blow to Bovey and a boost for Plymouth.
Bradley (58) and Hammett (55) repaired the damage and Golding (20) lent a hand.
Spinner Stein (3-34) started the slide, but while Andy Fairbairn remained Bovey had a chance.
Kerton’s removal of Fairbairn for 23 was the beginning of a dramatic end for Plymouth.
The last four wickets went for just seven runs in eight balls as Kerton and Ramsden (2-36) knocked over the remnants.
Skipper Stein praised Kerton, but added brother Ben deserved a pat on the back too.
“Ben bowled superbly well in the middle when the were going well and the two wickets he got were crucial,” said Stein.
“Hal Kerton’s four-for killed Bovey off.”

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