PLYMPTON couldn’t have cut it any finer against Hatherleigh – winning by one wicket off the final ball of the game.
Justin Wubbeling made a top score of 39 for Plympton, who totalled 167 for eight in their 50 overs.
Andy Walter made 32 and put on 50 for the second wicket with James Degg (32).
The wickets were shared round with Matt Thomas taking three for 21 and Jack Cherrington two for 27.
All Hatherleigh’s top six got in and got started, but they lacked one anchorman to hang a successful chase.
David Wrench (3-34) and Alex Carr (2-24) kept chipping away at the order and the experience of former Devon all-rounder Keith Donohue on his first outing of the season – 10 overs for 29 runs – must have helped
Gareth Tidball made 30, Thomas 25 and Rob Fishleigh 23 to get Hatherleigh down to the last over needing 10 to win with skipper Craig Donohue to bowl and Mark lake just out for 23.
Jabez Wheale was run-out off the last ball trying to scamper a single to tie.
Plympton are not out of relegation danger yet, but are 22 points clear of Brixham in the second drop spot.
Winning captain Craig Donohue said: “Having won the toss and batted the lads applied themselves well.
“At times this year when we have lost a wicket we lose two or three so to bat the overs and put a score on the board was great.
“Hatherleigh slowed the scoring well in the middle overs as they have two good spinners in Mark lake and Matt Thomas. We were pleased with what we put up.
“We stuck to the task well in the field and our slow bowlers Dave Wrench, my old man and james Deggy bowled well.
“Hakim bowled a good second spell and Alex Carr chipped away.
“Overall, it was a good team effort with everyone chipping in. Hopefully this will act as a springboard for the rest of the season.”
Disappointed Hatherleigh captain Mark Lake said: “It was a game that got away from us and a game we really should have won.
“Not reacting quickly enough to a game situation cost us dear.
“We are still in a very good position and I back the lads to take us there.
“There is a lot to play for still and we have plenty to prove in the last month of the season.”
PLYMSTOCK’S A Division survival hopes took another knock when they lost by four wickets at Budleigh Salterton.
Bronte Bess (58) made a half-century and opener Charles Martin (48) was not far behind in Plymstock’s tally for 205 all out.
The main stands were 50 for the first wicket – Martin and Morgan Parkinson (22) and 48 for the fourth between Bess and Tom Mitch (27).
Phil Anning took four for 40 and there were three wickets for Matt Junk.
For Budleigh it was a routine assignment, led off buy opener Elliot Rice (56).
By the time Rice was fourth out on 168 the chase was well formed.
Trevor Anning made 60 off 53 balls – 10 fours in there – and Ben Carter had 22.
Martin (2-29) was the most successful of the Plymstock bowlers, although Bess (1-32 off 9) was pretty tidy.
Plymstock are 35 points adrift at the bottom now and if they lose to Ivybridge this Saturday an immediate return to the B Division beckons.
