Devon Cricket Board - Kerswell skip fuming +++ Shaldon short on chase

Kerswell skip fuming +++ Shaldon short on chase

F DIVISION

KINGSKERSWELL skipper Paul Mitchell is heading for a showdown with the club’s 2nd XI management after taking a scratch 1st XI to Culmstock and scraping an honourable losing draw in difficult circumstances.

The club, which has a thriving junior section, travelled to Culmstock with three 16 year olds, a fifteen year old, a dad who plays occasionally and a 55 club stalwart who normally umpires.

At one stage on Saturday morning Mitchell only had nine players and considered calling off the fixture.

Mitchell went with what he had – gnarled veterans included – and in reply to Culmstock’s 237 for four were 202 for nine when the overs ran out.

Umpire Tim Chapman, a former Kerswell chairman with years of experience as a solid opening batsman, was the umpire who came in at the end to cover up for a draw.

Had any of Mark Kenyon (35), Mark Andrews (60) or Dave Lear (40) hung around just an over or two longer, Kerswell may even have won the match.

Mitchell said he had nothing but pride in the mixture of dads and lads who represented the 1st XI, but said he was mystified why 2nd XI players were unwilling to step up.

“I was very proud of the grit shown by my men and yet wistful of what might have been.

“The players displayed a drive and determination to keep going whatever the match situation and we deserved every point we got.

Why we have to rely on our 55 year old umpire to save the game when we have several young guns in the 2nd XI capable of improving the team beyond comprehension to me?

“We have players who seem unwilling to put themselves out for the club and help out on the odd occasion and that needs to be seriously addressed.”

SHALDON chased without success against Topsham St James in a high-scoring draw.

Topsham rattled along to 238 for six in 46 overs with Alex Sparkes, Tom Richardson and Ross Treleaven all making half-centuries.

Sparkes (59no) and Richardson (56) put on 86 for the third wicket. Treleaven’s 53 cvame off just 39 deliveries.

Shaldon’s reply appeared to be going nowhere at 102 for five having been given a tough time by A Miller (4-39) and Sparkes

Todd Bullman (76) and Jay Tufnell (34) pushed the score along to 195 for six, when a double strike from Miller ended Shaldon’s entertainment.

The tail-enders blocked out for a draw and maximum batting points at 215 for eight.

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