Devon Cricket Board - Gregersen a hit on debut

Gregersen a hit on debut

F DIVISION

ERIK Gregersen made an instant impact for Kingskerswell on his debut appearance for the first team in a 170-run win over Yarcombe.

Aussie ex-pat Gregersen joined the Villagers last year and has been assisting the 2nd XI since then.

He quickly fitted into the 1st XI though, clobbering a top score of 82. Former Lansdown (Bath) star Mark Bryant made 81 towards a more than useful 244 for six.

Cameos towards the end of the innings from skipper Paul Mitchell (20) and John Elliott (13no) helped justify the captain’s decision to bat first. Simon Hovell took 4-41 for Yarcombe.

The visitors were skittled out for a meagre 74 with in-form all-rounder Dave Lear taking five for 17 and evergreen Paul Harding three for 16.

There was a wicket apiece for opening bowlers Chris Robson-Close and Mark Andrews.

Skipper Mitchell was positively purring after the game.

“It was a fantastic performance against a team that started the day in second place,” said Mitchell.

“On paper we have a fantastic batting line up, but we slumped to 43 for three, at which time Mark and Erik put on 113 for the fourth wicket.

“Mark is a brilliant recruit for us and to have Erik in the first team now is great news for the club. He is nice guy and a good cricketer, who fitted in very nicely. As well as his 82 he also took a good diving catch!

“On the bowling front young Chris Robson-Close (16) gets better by the game. “Without another recognised opening bowler, the more than reliable Andrews filled in.”

Shaldon ramped the pressure up on leaders Topsham St James after they banked maximum points with a 41-run win at Cheriton Fitzpaine.

Mark Couch led Shaldon to a respectable 249 all out. Couch hit 102 and the best of the support came from Todd Bullman (40).

Paul Brierley (4-42) and Robbie Keight (3-37) did the damage with the ball, for the Cherries who then made an excellent fist of the run chase losing their final wicket on 208.

At one stage they looked on course to make the required total. They went smoothly from three down with 20 on the board to 150 as Ben Coe (60) and Jeremy Tricks (52) were in the thick of the action.

However once they both departed wickets then tumbled to the closing total of 208. Couch completed a fine all-round afternoon’s work with 4-55 and Seamus McKenna claimed 3-17.

Topsham could only draw with Newton St Cyres, which meant their lead has been trimmed to two points.

Chelston brushed aside visiting Culmstock who they bowled out for 81 with Roy Prentice taking five for 36.

John Tallamy the hit an unbeaten 32 to see the hosts to a seven-wicket success.

Topsham St James stay top of the F Division but their lead was cut back when they were unable to force victory in the home meeting with Newton St Cyres.

Tom Richardson (59), skipper Ross Treleaven (33) and Adrian Miller (29no) were the main providers of runs as the Bonfire Field side closed on 239-8.

Chris Collier claimed 3-52 for Newton St Cyres who then laboured to 144-8 which was insufficient to land them the losing draw points.

Dave Church top scored with an unbeaten 34. The most successful of the Saints bowlers was Anthony Thekkepalakkal.

Cullompton were unable to force victory at Exeter Civil Service with the hosts closing with their last pair at the wicket on 157-9 in reply to the Cully offering of 201-8. Malcolm Paiva top scored for the visitors with 63 and Mark Ashplant chipped in with 35 whilst Nick Rowe took 3-32 for the Civil Servants.

Tim Courtney (37) and Greg Newcombe (22) were the principle run providers in the reply as John Grandfield took 3-16.

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