Devon Cricket Board - Axminster finish on high note

Axminster finish on high note

PLYMSTOCK’S batters had an off day at Axminster, which contributed to a four-wicket defeat.
Take away 52 not out from skipper James Nichols and 29 for Scott Mansfield and there wasn’t much from the rest in a total of 132 all out.
NickTaylor and Gary Larcombe with three wickets each led the Axminster bowling effort.
Dave Orchard signed off as a Plymstock player with two for ten from nine overs, but couldn’t constrain Axminster on his own.
Joel Seward (29) and Tristan Wakeley (27) got the first 43 wiped off, then Sam Farrow (27) and Matt Pile (21) took Axminster home.
Nichols said Mansfield’s dismissal didn’t help Plymstock’s cause, but one debatable decision couldn’t explain away a collective failure with the bat.
“Not enough runs was the story of the day,” said Nichols.
“We were going well until Scott got an lbw decision that if it was out then I'm a six-stone ballet dancer!
“After that it was a case of see where we could get too.
“In fairness, 132 probably was defendable on that pitch, which was very slow and spun a lot.
“We were just always one wicket short of where we needed to be and couldn't build enough pressure on them.”
Nichols succeeded Orchard as captain last year and paid tribute to the veteran all-rounder, who is leaving the area for work reasons.
“Dave bowled brilliantly as ever and has been a fantastic servant to the club and will be greatly missed on and off the pitch.
“He is a quality player and a quality bloke and as a club we wish him all the best in the next chapter of his life.
“For us we regroup over the winter see who we can get in and then reassess at the start of next year.”

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