C DIVISION 2nd XI
STEVE Bowden played a pivotal role in Ipplepen II’s nine-wicket mauling of visiting Thorverton II.
Pens’ opening bowler Jon Sewell injured his back in the warm up and bowled within himself for 10 overs garnering figures of 3-31. Bowden twirled away to take three for 16.
Thorverton only had one partnership over 20, which was for the ninth wicket between Nat Davey (51no) and former 1st XI skipper james Meredith (17).
The total would have been much smaller without the 24 extras conceded.
Ipplepen started slowly against Meredith and super veteran Mike Denford who, between them, bowled 18 overs for 27 runs. However the change bowlers could not back them up.
Tom Cooper (33) and Bowden put on 52 for the first wicket then skipper Simon Tapley upped the rate with a quick fire 41 not out.
Bowden completed a memorable day by hitting the winning boundary that also took him to an undefeated 50.
Pens will reach the halfway stage of the season this Saturday nine points clear of Ottery at the top of the table.
Ottery St Mary II continued their fine season with a six-wicket home win over Barnstaple and Pilton II.
Rob Holme (69), James Roe (30no), Dave Loder (30) and Rob Wilkins (25) combined to see Barum to 182-5.
Rob Crabb claimed a brace for the Otters and then hit an unbeaten 59 to help see the hosts over then line. Ed Fowler struck 63 to play his major part in the proceedings.
Chris Newton took two of the four wickets to fall.
Axminster were on the receiving end as Ivybridge beat them by 113 runs to register their first league win of the season.
Andy Coker (75) and Andy Huxtable (67) combined to see Ivybridge II to 231-7.
Dan Fuzzard took 3-42 for Axminster II who were then bowled out for 118 despite a fine knock of 63 from Chris Ledbetter.
Josh Zimmerman (3-21) and Keith Sexton (2-13) claimed wickets for the winners.
Elsewhere, Clyst St George were seven-wicket losers against Cornwood and Clyst Hydon thumped Plymouth CS&R by nine wickets.