Devon Cricket Board - D West round-up: Butt praises youngsters

D West round-up: Butt praises youngsters

KINGSKERSWELL continue to lead the way in the D Division West after an empathic 180-run victory over struggling Cockington.

Kerswell made the most of their invitation to bat first by posting an impressive 233 for seven declared off 42 overs.

Star contributors with the bat were opener Steve Waters (36), the in-form Chris Hurrell (40) and 14 year old Seb Powell who stroked his way to a hugely impressive 85.

Best of the bowlers for Cockington was Steve Breed (3-67).

Cockington lost Skipper Shaun Jarman, to Pieter Douglas for 0 in the first over, and things went from bad to worse as a steady procession of batsman made their way back to the pavilion. Only Tom Humphrey (20) managed to get in to double figures in a total of 53 all out.

The stars of the show with the ball for Kerswell were Pieter Douglas (5-26) and Ellis Denega (3-20).

Kerswell Skipper Nigel Butt said: “The firsts have dropped several youngsters over the course of the last few weeks, but they have all come in and done impressive jobs.

“Last week Charlie Hill batted 25 overs to score 27 not out and save us the game.

“This week it was the turn of Seb Powell and Ellis Denega.

“Dan Elliott has been brilliant in the field and with his bowling, which always seems to pick up wickets.”

Kerswell have been top of the shop since the first day of the season and are 12 points ahead of Lewdown with eight games to go.

On Kerswell’s promotion chances after last season’s near miss, Butt said: “It has been a fantastic effort by everybody concerned, especially when you take into account the fact that every other side in this league has a superior 11 playing in a much higher level than our first team.

“We have options for batting and bowling in every department, but we have to keep it going because Lewdown are still breathing down our necks.”

Torquay are up to third after they walloped Whitchurch Wayfarers by 122 runs on the Recreation Ground.

Rob Jack cracked an unbeaten 95 and Tim Western made 31 in Torquay’s 248 for six. Joe Crooks (4-23) and Anthony Nadal (4-18) the shot Whitchurch out for 126.

Youngster Matt Coon had a cricketing day he will remember for the rest of his life in Ashburton’s 40-run win over Chagford

Ashes’ prospects didn’t look good after they had been bowled out for 129, but Chagford hadn’t bargained on Coon taking eight for 31 as they were skittled out for 89.

Ashburton’s main run getters were Kevin Cock (17) and Alan Churchill, who thrashed Chagford’s wayward bowling for 35.

After Cock and Churchill had made 43, Ross Field chipped in with 30.

As wickets started tumbling batting the overs became of prime importance. Ken Moss (2-22) and Steve Sizmur (3-39) bowled their full quota of overs off the reel.

Paul Wakefield (3-37) later picked up three wickets including that of Field.

Chagford’s batters failed to heed the warning of their own eyes that the ball had been keeping low and that played into Coon’s hands.

Only two Chagford batsmen reached double figures - Alex Ramsden (18) and opener Chris Filor (13) - as Coon and Steve Harvey (2-12) shot them out.

Dartington & Totnes 3rd XI had a day to forget against Plympton, who crushed them by 130 runs.

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