Devon Cricket Board - D Division West: Kerswell's lead trimmed

D Division West: Kerswell's lead trimmed

D DIVISION WEST

KINGSKERSWELL’S lead at the top of the D Division West has been slashed just 10 points after a disappointing batting display away to Plympton.

Plympton were invited to make first use of a good looking batting track, although at 32 for three off 13 overs things did not look too clever for them. However opener Steve O’Higgins (53) held things together, despite batting with a runner, and big hitting from Callum Dawe (28) ensured the innings managed a respectable 150 for nine.

Heroes with the ball for Kerswell were Pieter Douglas (4-30), Chris Hurrell (2-45) and Dan Elliott (2-10).

The total looked entirely gettable, but with the wicket getting lower and slower Kerswell’s innings was quickly in trouble and at 57 for five at halfway a second defeat in three games seemed likely.

Chief destroyer for Plympton was Shuan Mortimer, who took three for 25 off 13 overs of quality swing bowling in humid and overcast conditions.

However stubborn resistance by Charlie Hill (27 no) marshalled the second half of the innings to great effect to ensure Kerswell avoided defeat, and finish on 110 for six.

The seven points gained ensure Kerswell maintain a 10-point lead at the halfway stage of the season.

Torquay cruised to an eight-wicket win over Cockington in the derby date in front of the Manor House.

Joe Crooks was the destroyer in chief for Torquay with five for 45 as Cockington were bowled out for 144. Jamie Chamberlain top scored with 27,

Rob Jack fired an unbeaten 71 as Torquay knocked off the runs. Tom Cross (2-33) took both wickets to fall.

Ashburton were two runs short of victory against Plymouth IV in a game that ended in draw.

Plymouth’s total of 168 for seven was modest on a comparatively small ground.

A total well in excess of 200 look likely as the early Plymouth batsmen raced along.

Nigel Hughes (58) and Mike Hope (24) were the main contributors for Plymouth. Hughes, dropped three times, and Hope were dismissed by Russ Lacey (2-21).

Luke Jeffery (3-27) and Steve Harvey (2-33) helped to keep the final total within reach.

Ashes reply was anchored around the dependable Kevin Cock (57).

Batting in difficult conditions on an unpredictable pitch, he was in a stand of 50 for the second wicket with Nick Yabsley (14) and another 50 partnership with big hitting Lacey (27).

Robin Lambert (25no) nursed the remaining batsmen to reach the final over needing 12 to win.

Dom Durman (9no) swished at several including one which was perilously close to an imaginary boundary line. It was given as four and Ashburton had to be content with a losing draw at 167 for seven.

Hughes (3-35) bowled 11 overs on the reel. Youngster Joe Hagan-Burt (2-19) picked up the two key wickets of Cock and Lacey.

Dartington & Totnes took the thick end of a draw from their game at Chagford.

Going into the final over either side could have won, or the game might be drawn or tied.

Chagford needed 11 to win from Dave Carter’s final over to Dave Penberthy (46), but five dot balls put it beyond them.

Liam Bligh (54) and Tom Petherick (55) were D&T’s leading scorers in a total of 205 for eight.

A stand of 86 for the second wicket between Bligh and Carter (21) ended with the introduction of Steve Sizmur, who took a wicket in each of his first three over and finished with four for 44.

Dartington’s 96 for one became 116 for four and the situation needed retrieving. Petherick and Gavin Colegate put on 63 in eight overs to get the score moving again. Colegate’s contribution was just seven!

Chagford made a faltering start to their reply and were 77 for five with 18 overs to go.

Mick Rusling (2-24) and Carter (2-64) kept the lid on Chagford until Penberthy was joined in the middle by Julian Baker.

Baker made 48 in a stand of 106 with Penberthy which threatened to win the match for Chagford.

Spinner Petherick (2-50) got Baker out just in time and scoreboard pressure brought two more wickets as time ticked down and the asking rate went up.

Penberthy hit the last ball of the day to the boundary as Chagford finished on 195 for eight.

Elsewhere, Ollie Brown hit 114 for second-placed Lewdown in their 180-run win over near neighbours Whitchurch.

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