PLYMOUTH 2nd XI defeated Thorverton by 45 runs to win the Tier Two runners-up play-off game.

Alex Hill top scored with 51 in Plymouth’s workmanlike total of 205 all out.

Man of the match John Kerridge then spun through Thorverton’s middle order on his way to a four-wicket haul to snuff out any real prospect of a Plymouth defeat long before Thorverton were all out for 160.

Earlier, Kerridge had made 34 in a rush for Plymouth during an early innings surge that skipper Steve Luffman saw as significant to winning the game.

“We lost Claire Varcoe to the first ball of the game which allowed John to come in and absolutely tear into the opening bowlers,” said Luffman.

“John hit eight fours before he scored a single and we were 40 off the first four overs! 

Alex Hill scored a nice fifty to back him up and I slogged 46 to keep things going.”

Thorverton slumped to 23 for four in reply under pressure from Jack Hughes (1-28) at one end and Stanley Langmead (3-40) at the other.

“Kerridge then ripped through the middle order with four wickets and ,after a good stand from two of their young lads for the ninth wicket, Claire finished them off with two in two balls to clinch it,” said Luffman.

Bobby Heard (35no) and Jake Choules (12), aided by a swathe of extras, put on 62 for the ninth wicket that kept Plymouth in the field longer than looked likely when they were 98 for eight.

Andy Pitt, the Thorverton captain, said the disappointing part of losing was the way the side batted.

“We just didn't bat very well again,” said Pitt.

“I was really happy to be chasing just over 200, considering they were 70 odd for three after 10 or so overs.

“When you're 23 for four (again) you aren't going to win many games.

“Myself, Dan and the two Bens are to blame really. As the senior players, we shouldn't be putting the rest of the team under pressure like that.”