OTTERY St Mary skipper Will Harrison is resigned to his side’s likely fate at the end of the season.
Ottery’s 67-run defeat by Ipplepen last time out was their 10th of an 11 game season so far. The only game they didn’t lose was rained off.
Ottery are 51 points adrift at the bottom of the table and only a couple of defeats away from the point of no return.
Harrison said having lost a clutch of players during the close winter the current season was always going to be a struggle.
“It is our batting which we suffered most because of the players we lost,” said Harrison.
“Our bowling is still reasonably strong and if I could win the toss and bowl sides out for 150 we would have a chance.
“We don’t have the depth to chase much beyond that.
“I think we all know where we are going to be playing next season – not in this division.
“It is a shame, but you have to be realistic.”
Ipplepen totted up 237 for eight in their 45 overs – Marcus Green top scoring on 53.
Mawgan Penrice (48) and Joe Abbott (33) got Pens moving and Sam Wakeham(35) added some impetus at six.
There was a stall when Dan Jeacock (2-21) and Rob Crabb (2-38) took three wickets for seven runs as Pens dipped to 156 for seven.
Green with 53 off 30 balls – five fours, three sixes – shared a partnership of 81 with Ben Forsey (20) that got the show on the road again.
“That partnership between Marcus Green and youngster Ben Forsey, who batted very well, saw us to a total that would be tough to chase if we bowled well,” said Pens’ skipper Sam Wakeham.
“Forsey and Abbott both bowled controlled opening spells and immediately put Ottery behind the clock.
“With some tight spells from Keith Wakeham, Powell and Green, Ottery never got going.”
Alex Clements played the anchorman role for Ottery, steering them to 131 for five while making 68. He had Jeacock (36) put on 67 for the fifth wicket.
After Green spun out Clements the chase ran out of steam. Pens lacked the bowling firepower to finish the job properly.
Despite trying nine different bowlers, Pens had to be content with limiting Ottery to 170 for eight.
Pens’ skipper Wakeham was pleased to sidestep a potential banana skin.
“Sometimes games against the teams near the bottom of the table can become banana skin matches so very happy with the win,” said Wakeham.
“Credit to Ottery they didn't roll over and made us work very hard for the eight wickets, off which three came in the last three overs.”
