By CONRAD SUTCLIFFE

EAST EAST TWO

LEE Hooper struck a match-winning 89 before limping out of Sampford Peverell & Tiverton’s eight-wicket win over near neighbours Clyst Hydon in East East Two.

Hydon’s innings was a stop-start affair that took the scenic route to reach 178 all out with nine balls unused of their 40 overs.

Opener Ian Sutton (39) was going along nicely when he was caught at the second grab in the slips by Rob Venn off Sam Reed (3-40) and his dismissal sparked a collapse from 89 for two to 97 for seven.

Alex Newman (43) and James Billington (30) put on 62, but once the latter was bowled by Robbie Broomhead (2-7) Hydon subsided.

Openers Hooper and Guy Bucknell (32) made a three-figure dent in the deficit and it seemed the latter was on course for a ton when injury got the better of him.

“Everyone on the sidelines thought it was cramp, but he actually pulled a hamstring,” said skipper Joe Parkinson.

“Everyone felt for him as he only needed 11 for a century, but he did it for the good of the team.”

Broomhead was 19 not out when the winning post was passed.

Kentisbeare skipper Tom Martin felt his side left to much to do at Chardstock, where they lost by 61 runs.

Ed Pyman (68) and Tom Warren (36) were the main run getters for Chardstock, who posted 213 for seven. Gary Larcombe had 34.

Pick of the bowlers for Kents with three for 35 was Jake Johnstone.

Kents made a bright enough start with James Sprague (25), Alex Brooks (49) and Scott Chappell (38) among the runs.

At 129 for five the chase looked promising, but it was not to be. Wickets tumbled with three for Richard Pyman, the old Dorset seamer, as kents dipped to 152 all out.

Martin was a ‘disappointed’ captain after the game.

“We bowled tightly but didn't take enough wickets, so they were able to open up and get 30-40 more than par on that pitch,” said Martin. 

“Chasing, we had a good partnership between Scott Chappell and Alex Brooks in the middle, but either side of them we didn't do enough. 

“Chardstock fully deserved the win, but it was good be back out there finally playing something like competitive cricket.”

Kents host Sampford Peverell & Tiverton this Saturday.

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