TORQUAY should have no problem getting the two points they need off Ivybridge to be certain of promotion back to the Premier Division.
George Allen’s side could have sealed the deal last time out by beating Plympton, which would have put them out of reach of third-placed Cornwood for one of the two promotion slots.
A three-wicket defeat against Plympton cost Torquay top spot – arch rivals Paignton shot past them by crushing Chudleigh – and left Cornwood with the faintest chance of catching them.
Torquay only have to score a hundred or take two wickets to ensure promotion.
A win will revive hopes of going up as champions, but only if Paignton slip up badly at Budleigh Salterton.
Allen said there could be few complaints about losing to Plympton as the side underperformed.
“We didn't bat well, but still posted a good score, which with our bowling attack should have been easily defended.
“Mitch Pugh had a great knock, supported well by Jack Richardson and Matt Beasant.
“We bowled in poor areas and our ground fielding at times was horrendous. “Plympton fully deserved the win, playing the best cricket throughout the day.”
Torquay were held to 219 for eight in 50 overs. Regular run getters Allen (28) and Pugh (69) were not allowed to score as quickly as they can, which left Jack Richardson (22) and Matt Beasant (23no) to top up the tally at the end.
Opener James Degg hit 78 to get the chase up and running and Ben Privett, a Devon under-15 all-rounder, made an unbeaten half-century to see Plympton over the line.
“We bowled well and managed to take wickets at regular intervals,” said winning skipper Craig Donohue.
“We thought 200 was a good score to keep them to.
“James Degg bowled really well and Ben Privett had to bowl at some tough stages and did a great job for the team, as did all the bowlers and fielders.”
Degg, who was 17 earlier this month, then played anchorman with the bat to see Plympton reach 156 for five in reply.
Privett (51no) and Chris Dawe (21) took Plympton within three runs of victory, which was sealed midway through the final over.
Summing up, Donohue said: “We lost a couple early, but managed to put partnerships together at key times.
Degg batted superbly as did Privett, who both showed maturity beyond their years.”
“It was a real team performance and a great win over a good Torquay side.”
