NORTH Devon snatched Tavistock’s unbeaten record  when they trounced them by nine-wickets in the Sandhills.

Tavistock’s total of 170 all out in the 49th of their 50 overs always looked below par – especially with a bowling attack minus Shaun Cleave, Shaun Daymond and James McGahey – and so it turned out.

North Devon openers Ben Howe and Dan Bowser got the first 74 out of the way before Ben Evans bowled Howe for 38.

Bowser and Jack Moore took North Devon the rest of the way during an unbroken stand of 97 that had the game won with more than 16 overs to spare.

Left-hander Bowser made 89 not out off 80 balls – 12 fours, two sixes – and Moore was unbeaten on 36 when the winning post was passed.

Bowser has now made more than 5,000 runs in Tolchards Devon League cricket, most of them for North Devon. According to the play-cricket website, another 40 runs will do it.

Keeper batter Dave Manning top scored for Tavistock with 56. He went in at 26 for two and by the time he was dismissed had put been involved in stands worth 138.

Charlie Barriball, who made 42 in even time, shared a stand of 65 with Manning for the seventh wicket.

Three bowlers – Howe, Moore and Jack Popham – took two wickets each for North Devon.

Tavistock have dropped down to fifth in the table as North Devon, Plympton and Torquay all won to move past them.

Harry Geering, captain for the day in the absence of Shaun Daymond, said there were mitigating factors to consider when assessing the result.

“Plenty of players missing did not help, but North Devon are a Premier side playing in the A Division – and it showed,” said Geering.

“Their discipline bowling one side of the wicket gave us a good lesson.

“It was positive to see Ben Evens come in to the side and bowl well and Charlie Barriball get back in the runs.”