JONNY Martin was the man of the moment for Barton when they defeated Tavistock by two wickets in a game reduced to 30 overs a side.
It was a close-run thing in every sense though as Barton only got over the line with three balls to spare in a low-scoring affair.
Tavistock were all out for 123, no one making more than opener Ian Gray, who had 26.
After Dave Ball went cheaply to Martin, Ian Gray and Will Barriball (20) put on 52 for the second wicket.
Stuart Bowker (2-21) made a couple of breakthroughs – Gray and Aaron Churchill (16) – but the real damage was done by Barton captain Adam Parker.
Parker was on a hat-trick after removing Dylan Aucamp and Charlie Barriball, reducing Tavvy to 91 for six. He finished with four for 17.
Mark Gilmour (2-23) got into the lower order, leaving Shaun Needham to knock off last man James McGahey.
Two wickets for Aucamp lifted Tavvy spirits, but a stand of 23 between Gilmour and Needham got Barton going.
Three wickets fell going from 42 for two to 50 for five – Sean Cleave (3-18) getting in on the act – and now Barton were under pressure.
It became a bits-and-pieces job – Greg Shelton (12) and Matt Needham (10) chipping in – but when Barton were 88 for eight it looked all over for them.
Barton’s man of the moment was Martin, who went in at 87 for seven and didn’t hang about.
Martin, back at Barton this season after spells with Chudleigh and South Devon, thumped three sixes and two fours in a 17-ball knock of 31 not out to win the game.
“When we needed a match-winner in comes Jonny, who can take the game away with both bat and ball. He made the most of some bad balls and took us over the line,” said Parker.
Tavistock skipper Shaun Daymond said he wouldn’t be lying away at night worrying about the outcome of this particular game.
“We know what it's like playing a short over game on a wet one - a lottery,” said Daymond.
Being stuck in on it never helps, but we thought our total was ok on that wicket - and it nearly was.
“A good knock from Jonny Martin was the difference, but all in all a good effort from us.
“Barton are a good side and will be up there come the end.
“Losing on a wet one at their place isn't the worst result.
“We will look to get back to winning ways this Saturday against Ottery.”
Parker agreed it was a good toss to win, but said there is more to winning the game than flipping a coin
“We managed to put pressure on them throughout the innings and didn't let any big partnerships develop,” said Parker.
“Our fielding has improved a lot from the last couple of seasons and that is really helping us.
“Batting wise they put us under some real pressure and we didn't help oursleves by playing some questionable shots along the way.
Parker knows what was good enough to beat Tavistock might not work against leaders Ipplepen this Satuday.
“We need to get our heads down batting, really apply ourselves and build some big innings,” said Parker.
