Devon Cricket Board - Cornwood off to winning start

Cornwood off to winning start

CORNWOOD hit the ground running on their eagerly awaited return to the Premier Division with a seven-wicket win over Budleigh Salterton.
The borrowed pitch at Topsham – Budleigh’s own ground is out of bounds due to repair work – played tricks on the batsmen in the first innings then eased as it dried out after tea.
Cornwood had the best of the conditions, but that should not detract from the quality of their performance.
Budleigh were limited to 200 for seven in their 50 overs – former Devon captain Bob Dawson making a top score of 96 not out – which Cornwood knocked off with nearly three overs to spare.
“It’s the ideal start for us, one that gives us confidence in the next few games that we are good enough to play at this level and compete with the best,” said skipper Craig Harris.
Without Dawson and Seb Langridge, their new overseas player, Budleigh would have been in trouble.
Dawson came in at 19 for one after James Burke fell to Andy Bees - and one run later saw Neil Murrin snapped up by Asif Raza.
Langridge (33) and dawson added 60 for the third wicket, then Dawson batted through to the end.
Raza (2-32) bowled well and there were tidy spells from Bees (1-31), Jason Hall (1-26) and Adam Goodliffe (1-27).
“Matt Butterworth bowled a probing spell but sadly the numbers don't tell the story of how well he bowled,” added Harris.
Cornwood got away to a 90-run start thanks to Chris Parker (45) and Ryan Rickard (38), which left Budleigh chasing the game.
Joel Murphy got both openers in the space of three runs then Hall came and went for 17 as Cornwood briefly wobbled.
There was nothing to worry about though as Horwell (39no) and Raza (45no) ease Cornwood over the line.
Harris said Cornwood learned lessons watching Budleigh bat which stood them in good stead when it was their turn.
“The stand between Dawson and Langridge taught us to be patient batting and to take time to play in to an innings.
‘We focused to being patient and Chris Parker and Ryan Rickard did just that.
“Mark Horwell and Asif Raza batted fluently, continuing the work set by the three batters before them, to finish the game mid-powerplay with a couple of overs to go.”
Harris said although it was a great start, no one at Oak Park should get carried away.
“We were so happy to get a win on the board early in the season,” said Harris.
“It has lifted us but I know we still have more to give.
“We are fully entitled to enjoy our first win, but go back to training next week with some skills to tighten up on and head in to Bovey Tracey this Saturday looking to continue the good start.”

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