By CONRAD SUTCLIFFE

SOUTH ONE

YOUNGSTERS James Tyler and Noah Rider put Torquay back on course for a three-wicket win away to Bovey Tracey 2^ndXI.

Ben Steer’s 77 off 85 balls was the rock on which Bovey Tracey’s total of 217 all out was constructed. Dan Green with 21 was the best of the rest.

The bulk of Torquay’s wicket taking was done by teenagers Sonny Baker and Rider, who had three wickets each.

Torquay had to rebuild after Green nipped out both openers in single figures and did so with skipper Chris Kelmere (49) and Tom Drake (30) taking the score to 136 for five.

Derek Perry (3-55) slowed Torquay a second time, but from 163 for seven there were no more slips as Rider (31no) and Tyler (20no) saw it through.

Torquay are rebuilding this season following relegation last summer and the inevitable departures that brought – and the mini-division format suits them to a tee.

Mike Pugh, the cricket manager at the Recreation Ground, said his aim is to bring on the youngsters and to see two teenagers wrap-up a hard-earned win was rewarding.

“James and Noah both made good scores in a tough situation to win us the match,” said Pugh.

“This season is all about giving young cricketers opportunities and it is great to see them grasped with both hands by two 15 year olds.”

BARTON’S batting faltered after a positive start as Abbotskerswell condemned them to a 94-run defeat at Cricketfield Road in South Division One.

Faced with Abbots’ 45-over total of 223 for seven, Barton were 62 for one in reply with Shaun Needham (25) the only man out.

Adam Parker, Darren Cowley, Matt Lipton and Adrian Lipton for a top score of 38 all fell for just nine runs added as 62 for one became 71 for five.

Greg Shelton with 16 off 43 balls was the only batter to make more than six as the bottom half of the order crumbled to 129 all out.

Abbot’s seamer Jay Hussain (3-9) sparked the collapse, wickets were shared as it gathered pace then Sam Carpenter (2-19) polished off a couple of tail enders.

Opener Eddie Smout-Cooper played the anchorman role for Abbots with 69 off 106 balls. He was involved in stands worth 159, including one of 93 with Nick Watkin (44).

Elliott Adams with 30 was next best as the overs ran down. He was one of four wickets taken by Cowley’s left-arm spin.

For Abbots’ skipper Watkin it was a happy return to the club where he started his career as a colt and a triumph for doing the basics right.

“It was an excellent team performance,” said Watkin.

“Ed Smout Cooper made a great 50, we batted well in partnerships throughout, and there were important contributions all the way through our innings. 

“Despite feeling that 200-plus was a good score, we knew that against a team containing Needham, Parker and Cowley we still had to bowl and field well which we did.

“Jay Hussain, in particular, bowled a great spell and claimed vital wickets.” 

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