By CONRAD SUTCLIFFE

WEST TWO

CATCHES win matches, so the old saying goes, which chimed with Marc Woodward’s thoughts after Plymstock 2nd XI’s 49-run home defeat by Yelverton in West Division Two.

Yelverton reached 215 for nine in their 40 overs – Richard Townsend top scoring on 64 0- but Woodward felt that was on the generous side.

“We dropped around seven catches,” said Woodward matter-of-factlly.

It wasn’t just the fielding that bothered Woodward. The early order batting did not live up to expectations.

“Ali Bond (21) and Paul Birleson (16) got us to 45 for none in five overs – next thing you know we are 54 for four,” said Woodward. “It’s hard to win games when you lose wickets like that.”

Townsend went in when Yelverton were 89 for two with David Ackford just out for 29 and put on 106 with a number of companions. James Cooper (24) was prime among them.

George Barnicott (3-30) and Luke Dennis (3-32) were Plymstock’s leading wicket takers.

Sam Crompton (3-34) did the initial damage with the ball for Yelverton, aided and abetted by Ben Grove (2-11) and Cooper (2-21).

WHITCHURCH Wayfarers made light work of knocking off 117 to win against Plympton 2nd XI.

Opener Ben Powell hit nine fours and a six on his way to 48  off 30 balls and skipper Josh Towl thrashed 46 not out off just 18 balls in the 11-over chase to a nine-wicket win.

Winning captain Towl said: “It was great to see such a positive display in the first season back and hopefully stands us in good stead for the games to come.

Oliver Goulder had top scored for Plympton with 31, but no one else was allowed to reach 20.

Wickets were shared with three for Nick Benwell (3-17) and two each for David Northey and Rob Bone,

“The first-change spinners came on and the wickets began to fall, especially after drinks when Plympton tried to quicken the run rate,” said Towl.

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