PLYMSTOCK’S promotion hopes are hanging by a thread after they lost by 92 runs to B Division leaders Seaton.

Opener Matt Hewer got his head down for 94 not out off 150 balls in Seaton’s total of 258 for three.

Hewer enjoyed stands of 113 with Ryan Daye (35), 101 with Joel Seward (56) and 35 with Josh Cann (29).

Hal Kerton (2-44) was the only Plymstock bowler to take more than one wicket. Tom Mitch (0-39) bowled economically.

Plymstock slipped from 13 for two to 40 for four and 85 for six with Kerton the only batter to make much headway.

When Kerton was seventh out for 55 with the score on 109, the end did not look far away.

Rob Cunningham (31no) and Ian Whalley (23) detained Seaton longer than anticipated with a stand of 53 for the ninth wicket. Plymstock were all out for 166.

Ben Morgan (3-19) had top-five wickets in his haul. Ben Libby (2-26) and Joe Berry (2-27) dealt with the middle and lower order.

Plymstock are fifth in the latest table, 33 points shy of the second promotion place with four games to go.

James Nicholls, the Plymstock vice-captain, said Seaton showed what it takes to be a promotion-winning side.

“Seaton’s top three batted superbly and batted us out of the game,” said Nicholls.

“They showed how to build and innings and we can learn a lot from that. 

“If we are being honest we were awful early doors with the ball apart, from Jonny Norman, and we were then chasing all day.”

Nicholls added it was not all gloom and doom despite the outcome.

“Tom Mitch, who has changed to left-arm orthodox, bowled fantastically and he will take a lot of wickets as he learns his trade,” said Nicholls.

“And Hal, along with the lower order, batted really well.”

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