Back

 

B DIVISION

WHAT should have been a simple cakewalk proved too difficult for Brixham's middle-order batsmen as they failed by eight runs to win at Tavistock. 

   Fifteen-year-old Scott Eaves, who hit seven fours in his 61, and Wes Fowler (50) laid the platform for victory by making 104 for the third wicket.

   When Fowler was out with the score 131 in the 39th over, Brixham needed a straight forward 33 to win off 42 balls with seven wickets in hand, including experienced players Chris Barron, Sam Thomas, Adam Newman and Simon Caunter.

   From a commanding position, Brixham threw it all away with two silly run outs and a lack of determination to see the job through as the side collapsed to 149 for nine

   Craig Eaves, who is only 12, and skipper Geoff Newman, batted out the final 11 balls for a draw.

   Craig Eaves, who opens the bowling and being looked at by Somerset, was the pick of the Brixham bowlers with figures of 8-3-15-4 in two spells as Tavistock recovered from 90 for six after 30 overs to make 163 all out with an over to go. Skipper John McGahey (37) top scored for Tavvy.

   Bradninch made it played three and won the lot as they hammered Barnstaple by six wickets.

   Barnstaple were bowled out for 97 as Andy Nicholls helped himself to 4-10 and Chris Acton bagged three for 26.

   Skipper Nat Davey, who has a third successive promotion on his wish list for the season, then hit 49 in a successful run chase.

   Chudleigh made the long trip to Hatherleigh for nothing as they struggled with the bat and lost by four wickets.

   Chudleigh were soon in trouble as Hatherleigh's opening bowler Brian Stacey (3-23) did most of the damage to leave them 38 for five.

   Captain Lewis Howard (19) showed some resistance before being run-out following a mix up with Ed Hunt (12). Neil Argyle (18) was joined by Ben Ripley (33) and they added 48 runs for the sixth wicket as Chudleigh tried to fight back.

   Wil Sprenkel (17) was the only other scorer of note in a total of 125 all out.

   Hatherleigh's reply got off to a stuttering start as opening bowler Sprenkel (3-36) reduced them to 37 for 3 before Garry Bryant (32) and Terry Reynolds (41no) steered Hatherleigh into calmer waters where they passed Chudleigh's total in the penultimate over

   Alphington won for the first time this season, which always looked on the cards after they had dismissed Braunton for 87.

   Richard Gott (3-20), Andy Mills (3-25) and young James Knight put the skids under Barum, then Matt Barnes turned his arm over for the first time in two seasons and claimed two for eight as Braunton limped to 134 for nine.

   Simon Cake was an early casualty when Alphington batted, but Barnes (65no) and Richie Cousins (35no) barely put a foot wrong knocking off the remainder of the runs.