Devon Cricket Board - A Division 2nd XI

A DIVISION 2nd XI

SANDFORD skipper Paul Smith has praised opposite number Mark Heather for his sportsman-like actions in a cracking game at Kate Brook.

Chasing Chudleigh’s 226 for five, Sandford were bowled out for 219 with five overs to go.

Top scorer for Sandford with 88 not out was Steve Morrish, although in many other games he would not have been there by then.

Morrish had been given out lbw in the 40s, but Heather called him back to resume his innings.

“An edge on to the pad was heard by one of his players and Mark took the decision to bring Steve back in,” said Smith.

“Steve was somewhere in the 40s and we were eight wickets down at the time, so victory was in sight for Chudleigh.

“Steve went on to almost win the game for us with a superb 88 not out, but Mark’s actions deserve to be known.

“The game was played in a tremendous spirit throughout and this action was one that many other players and teams should be aware of.

“There are still people and teams out there that respect the values of the game.”

Heather said all he did was follow the example set by Sandford earlier in the game.

“One of their batsmen walked for a caught behind when he nicked the ball, but it was not going to be given as the umpire didn’t hear it,” said Heather.

“Paul’s remarks are very generous. What I would say is the game was played in a perfect spirit by two teams who were a credit to the game. It is a shame it can’t be like that every week.”

Chudleigh’s Graeme Wilson won’t forget the game in a hurry either as he dominated with bat and ball.

Firtly, Wilson top scored with 51 for Chudleigh, then he took six for 39 to bowl Sandford out.

BARTON came a cropper by 91 runs at Plymstock, where the bottom half of their batting order did a vanishing act!

Duncan Brace (33) and Dan Moffatt (31) got Plymstock off to a 62-run start and with James Collins (29) contributing they got up to 195 all out.

Pete Gartrell’s form with the ball for Barton continued with a four-for-54 haul.

Barton ran into trouble in the shape of veteran medium pacer Mike Cherry, who took four for 30 on his reappearance from retirement.

Dave Palmer made 50 for Barton who collapsed twice – from 37 for one to 63 for five, then 94 for six to 104 all out. Ian Whalley (2-7) mopped up the stragglers.

After the game Barton captain Jim Parker found his positives where he could.

“As is always the case with any second team, player availability is an issue and we were short of a few regulars,” said Parker.

“That, however, is no excuse and we got what we deserved.

“Plymstock were better than us in all three disciplines, in the field, with the ball and with the bat.

“Dan Camp impressed for us with the ball, though, bowling 13 overs on the bounce in his first game of the season – and then went down with stroke!

“We had a chat after the game and, hopefully, the lads, especially the younger ones, can learn from the game and keep improving. That’s our main aim.”

SIDMOUTH 3rd XI show no signs of moving away from the A Division basement soon after a fifth successive defeat, this time by seven wickets against Tavistock.

John Goodwin had a top score of 42 in Sidmouth’s 164 for nine. Anthony Dibble hit 34 not out and Henry Gater made 27.

Sam Willets (4-31) and Simon Gliddon (3-39) were the bowling stalwarts for Tavvy.

Sidmouth needed early wickets – so the last thing they wanted was to see Nick Goodchild (32) and Jack Newton (26) dig in.

With 50 runs to go John McGahey (20no) joined Mark Webber (62no) and the target was knocked off with little more ado.

BRADNINCH appeared to be in the driving seat after dismissing Plymouth for 181, but failed to press home their advantage and took the safety first route to a losing draw.

Eliot Acton (3-47) got opener Dave Watson early for a duck and beat the bat frequently in his first two spells.

Rich MacPherson (21) and Richard Gill (32) provided the basis for a defendable Plymouth total of 181 all out.

Gareth Hart took his average to more than 100 with a fine 54, combining with Jimmy Haffenden (20no) towards the latter stages.

Veterans Andy Nicholls (4-55) and Phil Chappell (3-41) ran through the bottom half of the Plymouth order.

Bradninch flew out of the blocks on the chase and by the time they reached 71 for two Plymouth seamer Phil Barrow had suffered four dropped catches off his bowling.

The tide changed when Acton (28) and Gary Newall (32) fell in quick succession.

Bradninch didn’t like the spin of Haffenden or Martin Gill (3-13 off 10) and patted back the last 12 overs to close on 150 for seven.

EXMOUTH 2nd XI have opened up an eight-point gap at the top of the A Division thanks to their 94-run win at Braunton.

Plymouth and Bradninch are the two clubs behind Exmouth and they obligingly drew with each other to help Exeter on their way.

Exmouth totted up 237 for nine in 46 overs with opener Julian Page top scoring on 87 not out, Harrison Folland (22) was best of the rest.

There were three wickets each for Braunton bowlers Chris Brigden (3-52) and Keiran Jerret (3-58).

Braunton reached 70 for one in reply without too many problems, then lost three wickets in eight balls for no runs added to Exmouth left-armer Matt Tarry (4-55).

Mike Cliff picked up two more wickets, including surviving opener Mark Johnson (32) as Braunton limped to 89 for six.

Alex Hodges (37) did his best to stop the slide, but back came Tarry to nip him out at 137 for eight.

Lawrence Greenway polished off the two tail-enders in the space of four balls as Braunton were dismissed for 143.