Devon Cricket Board - Cornwood on inevitable path to promotion

Cornwood on inevitable path to promotion

CORNWOOD’S plan to bounce straight back into the Premier Division at the first attempt remains in course after they thrashed Tavistock by 165 runs.
The Corns bowed out of the top flight this time last year, but always intended their exile to be temporary.
The win over Tavistock, who were bowled out for 68 in reply to the home side’s 233 for six, makes promotion almost inevitable now.
Budleigh Salterton, the only side who can catch second-placed Cornwood, are 27 points behind with 40 left to fight over.
If Cornwood win against lowly Lewdown this Saturday they are going up – and have the prospect of a title decider against long-time leaders Brixham on the final day of the season.
The situation is far from rosy for Tavistock though, who are back in the thick of the relegation fight.
Lewdown’s win at Bradninch revived their hopes of survival and left 10 points between them in the second drop spot and Tavistock.
Tavistock go to Lewdown this Saturday for a make or break encounter.
Cornwood, who were without professional Jackson Thompson for personal reasons, made steady progress to 99 Matt Skeemer in the runs - for three then upped the tempo.
Chris Parker (57) and James Horgan (24) put on 49, then skipper Jason Hall (44no) and Parker chalked up another 50.
Tavistock’s bowling honours were shared between Jay Stevens and Jamie Stephens, who had carbon-copy figures of two for 39.
Tavistock crumbled under pressure from Craig James (2-27) and Adam Goodliffe (4-10).
They were 44 for four with Stephens out for a top score of 14. Six wickets went for 24 runs with Matt Butterworth (3-1) picking off stragglers at the end.
Skipper Jason Hall praised Parker for his approach to batting, saying it created the platform for a winning total.
“It was an excellent knock from Chris, allowing others to bat around him.
“Steady runs from Matt Skeemer and James Horgan allowed the lower order of myself, Harris and Staddon to propel us towards our final score.”
Hall said the bowlers put the ball in the right areas and were backed up in the field.
“Adam Goodliffe bowled with excellent control to pick up four wickets,” he said.
“Craig James again bowled well, followed by Butterworth and Skeemer picking up the remaining wickets.
“Our fielding was excellent, with a spectacular catch by the returning James Horgan.”

DCB Ltd, University of Exeter Sports Hall, Stocker Road, Exeter, Devon EX4 4QN Company Registration Number: 7024773