C DIVISION
RAIN ruined what was shaping up to be a tense finish between Clyst St George and Kingskerswell.
Clyst had moved relatively slowly but confidently to 49 before losing their first wicket, Kevin Coe for 23.
Another fine partnership between Allan Welsh (64) and Steve Cooper (31) took the total to 111 - and with 15 overs to go a 200-plus total was a distinct possibility.
As conditions dried, it became a easier for bowlers to grip the ball so wickets started to fall and Clyst St George will have been disappointed with their total of 163 for nine.
The game-changing bowler from Kerswell’s perspective was 17 year old Dan Elliott, who following his introduction, in the 29th over, took a steady stream of wickets to finish with four for 33 off seven.
With rain threatening kerswell got on with it to reach 54 for none in 10 overs.
A couple of quick wickets and heavier rain brought the contest to an early conclusion.
The 10 points secured by each side does nothing to lift Clyst off the bottom of the table, or improve Kerswell’s place in mid-table.
“Dan was a fairly regular performer for us last year and always seems to take wickets whenever he gets a bowl,” said skipper Nigel Butt.
“He bowled brilliantly in the conditions and also took two sharp catches.
“I had to change the end he was bowling from for his last two overs to get things to work out properly and despite the slope he wasn’t fazed and took the ninth-wicket with the last ball.
“He is a crucial member of this team and capable of producing match-winning performances.”
Clyst Hydon 2nd XI picked up maximum batting bonus points from their engagement with Yelverton.
Chris Holmes (63no) and Richard Martin (40) helped Hydon to 214 for four before the terminal downpour.
BARNSTAPLE & Pilton 2nd XI had runs on the board at Cornwood when the rain came.
Andy Barton responded to being in the 2nd XI by hitting 49 and Frankie Biederman chipped in with 20.
Cornwood were 30 for one when it was called off.