By CONRAD SUTCLIFFE
SOUTH Devon skipper James Allen expects his frontline batters to knuckle down and grind it out when Bridestowe visit Marsh Road Recreation Ground this Saturday in the Tier Four play-off semi-final.
South Devon were already through to the play-offs before going to Babbacombe in the final South Four pool game – and losing a low-scoring affair by 28 runs.
“A few of us got out in silly ways, which made chasing 112 to win feel like 200,” said Allen.
“We bowled and fielded well and are looking forward to the challenge against an unbeaten Bridestowe side.”
It appeared South Devon had done the hard part by dismissing Babbacombe for 111 – Kalen Warne taking three wickets for 20 runs after Allen (2-24), Matt Beasant (2-24) and Dillip Salinda (2-27) had softened them up.
Rob Redding (23) and Dom Passmore (17) were Babbacombe’s only run getters of note.
South Devon stumbled to 19 for three in reply – Sree Sreejith (2-14) posing problems – but fought back through Allen (14) and Liam Price (21).
Price, Paul Hooper, Allen, Jonty Tupman and Warne all departed for just nine runs scored in a running total of 55 for eight as South Devon slumped to 83 all out.
Paul Bates (2-12) and Tim Goodwin (3-17) ran through the lower order to condemn South Devon to their first defeat of the season.
Babbacombe are away to Chardstock this Saturday in the runners-up play-offs.
DOM Durman helped himself to a four-wicket haul in Ipplepen 2nd XI’s 15-run win over Chelston & Kingskerswell.
Adam Peters (62) and Marcus Thompson (30) were Pens’ principal run getters in a 40-over total of 179 for five. Durman chipped in with 26 not out.
Openers Chris Harrison (36) and Nick Guest (36) pointed C&K in the right direction, but wickets for Harry Lewis (2-25) and a couple of run outs slowed the chase.
Durman’s four-for-22 haul helped limit Pens to 164 for nine, despite the efforts of Prashant Ampalam (23) and Chris Stubbs (12no).
