Devon Cricket Board - Exmouth make it four in a row

Exmouth make it four in a row

EXMOUTH made it four wins on the trot in the Premier Division when they beat joint leaders Torquay by four wickets.

Ryan Stevenson capped the week that saw him win plaudits on his Devon debut with a top score of 50 in Torquay’s total of 144 all out.

Openers Mitch Pugh and Nick Watkin went cheaply, which left Matt Thompson (30) to slow things down for Exmouth’s bowlers

A double strike by Alvin Pollard (2-27) accounted for Sach Galhenage then Justin Yau before David Lye (2-21) snared Thompson lbw at 69 for five.

Stevenson, who batted for 86 minutes, put on 20 with Joe Thompson and 27 more with Jack Richardson before he was ninth out on 141.

Exmouth shared the wickets around with two each for Marquis Clarke, Pollard, Lye and Bob Dawson.

Exmouth’s run chase was anything but routine as they were 92 for five at one stage and under pressure.

Sandy Allen survived the early onslaught from Pugh (3-45) to make 45 in a running total of 78 for four.

After Trevor Anning was dismissed lbw by Matt Petherbridge, the pursuit was taken on by David Lye and Jon Evennett.

Lye was out for 34 with five runs needed, all of which Evennett got with another boundary on his way to a rapid 45 not out.

Evennett finished unbeaten on 45 from 19 balls, which included four sixes and three fours – the last the match-winning shot.

Richard Baggs, the Exmouth captain, said Evennett’s knock stopped him getting twitchy about the result.

“There must have been three occasions when we lost wickets just when it looked like we were getting on top,” said Baggs.

“Evernett relieved all the pressure in three overs after Dave Lye and Sandy Allen had played really well.

“It was by far best we have fielded this season. Good intensity put Torquay under pressure.

“It was a great result and shows we are improving week on week.”

Justin Yau, the Torquay captain, said there were mitigating factors for the defeat, but there was no avoiding one unpleasant factor.

“It was a big toss to lose but that wasn't the reason why we lost,” said Yau.

“We were outplayed for most of the day - we didn't show enough application with the bat and didn't take our chances and fielded poorly.

“We were probably 30 short of a par score and bowled well to get ourselves back into the game.

“Ryan batted really well as did Matt who was unlucky to get out when he did.

“We bowled pretty well as a unit - Mitchell Pugh was outstanding - and Ryan and Matt Petherbridge bowled really good spells.

“Not a game to dwell on too much. It was a bad day at the office but we are still in a very strong position in terms of the league and we will regroup and go hard against Bovey Tracey next.”

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