Devon Cricket Board - Holmes shines as Honiton get off to a flier

Holmes shines as Honiton get off to a flier

E DIVISION

HONITON were involved in a real thriller to launch their Francis Clark E Division season as they claimed 19 points with a three run victory over Kentisbeare.

   Adam Holmes was the star of the show as he struck the top score of 74 in a commanding total of 199, then claimed six wickets as the Kents were bowled out for 196.

   Kev Slynn (57) and George Meadows (32) also chipped in for Honiton, then skipper Kev Kelly bagged a brace of wickets but it was very much the Holmes show afterr tea as he finished with figures of 6-40.

   Could do better, was Babbacombe skipper Paul Bates’ take on the 50 run defeat by Tiverton & Bickleigh.

   Batting first there were runs down the order as Jerry Reed (47), Dan Tolley (35), Richard Pugsley (34) and skipper Tim Reed (27) all helped out as Tiverton closed on 231.

   James Johnson took three wickets on his debut and Richard Bacholer went one better with four when T&B were swinging in the dying overs.

   Tolley then put the ball on the spot and claimed six for 56, supported by Richard Pugsley, who completed a fine all-round performance with three for 50 as the South Devon visitors were bowled out for 181.

   Babbacombe had been 80 for two after 15 overs thanks to Marcus Tanton (36) and Tom Ince (38) but lost their way.

   “It was a disappointing to start the season with a loss,” said Bates.

   An under-par early season bowling performance allowed Tiverton too many boundary opportunities.

   “With wickets in hand Tiverton were able to throw the bat in the last ten overs.

  “There were some positives though. James Johnson had a creditable debut with the new ball and Rich Backholer deserved his wickets at the death.

   “While Tom and Marcus were putting on 50-odd, things were looking good until a clutch of wickets stalled the chase.

   “We did well to reach 181 in the gathering gloom but couldn't hold on for the draw.”

   Delighted Tiverton skipper Reed, said: “It was very much a case of the perfect start.

   “All the batters got a spell out in the middle and everyone chipped in.

   “Then we got amongst the wickets with a very good disciplined display in the field to support Adam who was on fire with the ball.

   “A great start and just what was required as I am hoping this can be a big season for us.”

   Upottery sprung a fine opening day win, beating much fancied Filleigh by three wickets.

   Gary Kennard (5-32) and Stuart Drew (2-40) combined to bundle the North Devon side out for 170.

   Ollie Rice then struck an unbeaten 53 to lead the villagers to a three-wicket win.

   Ryan Pulman (39) and Tom Wyatt (29) also chipped in towards the Upottery run chase.

   Woodbury went down by eight wickets to Kilmington in a game dominated by the toss of the coin.

   Woodbury skipper James Taylor lost the toss then watched his side slump to 27 for six!

   Maurice Beavis (2-27 from 9) and Ben Noble (3-16 in 10) combined to have the home side in assorts of bother at 27 for six.

   Late runs from Tim Owens, who thumped three sixes in a quickfire 37, and a patient half century by Tim Greenslade got the total up to 123.

   Kilmington lost just two wickets, both taken by Jimmy Jones, on their way to a comfortable victory.

   Andrew Parr (19) and Jonny Lavender (44no) got the reply off to a good start. Dave Cooke then chipped in with 19 before Tom Gooding (37no) and Lavender saw their side to the finishing line.

   Delighted Kilmington skipper Maurice Beavis said: “At one stage it looked as if it’d be all over before tea but they dug in and if I am honest I’d not have wanted to chase many more than we were faced with.”

   Uplyme’s opening game was rain hit as they were bowled out for just 118 with no further play possible against Kenn. Mark Brimmacombe (24) and Ashley Caddy (18) were the only Uplyme batsmen to make any sort of impression in very difficult batting conditions.

DCB Ltd, University of Exeter Sports Hall, Stocker Road, Exeter, Devon EX4 4QN Company Registration Number: 7024773