CONRAD SUTCLIFFE REPORTING

THE Caunter brothers were at the heart of the action in Plympton’s 28-run win over visiting Barton.

Plympton were all out for a modest 184 in the 46th of their 50 overs – Jonty Walliker the last man out for a top score off 44.

Craig Miles (36) and Tino Mutombodzi (42) made runs before Walliker went in. Alex Carr (36) shared a stand of 38 with him.

Pick of the Barton bowlers with three for 35 was Callum Crocker. 

Defending 184 looked a job and half when Barton were 111 for four in reply, although Indian under-19 rising star Siddesh Veer was among the casualties for a top score of 26.

Josiah Caunter already had a couple of wickets at that stage and sibling Jacob a third. 

Matt Lipton (21) and Greg Shelton (10) moved the score from 111 for five, when Josiah wheedled out Barton captain Adam Parker, to 148 for five. Game on.

The game turned on a three-wicket burst from Jacob Caunter that reduced Barton to 151 for eight in the time it took him to send down nine balls.

There was no way back for Barton after that. Josiah finished with three wickets for 26 runs and Jacob took one more for a haul of five for 33 as Barton slid to 156 all out.  Their last five wickets went for just eight runs scored.

Walliker, who doubles as vice-captain as well as all-rounder in the side, said ‘winning ugly’ best describes the outcome.

Walliker added: “Barton bowled really well and restricted us to 184.

“Despite the good pitch runs were hard to come by and we had to work really hard to post our total.  

“Runs on the board helped and on a spin-friendly pitch we were pleased to have four spinners. 

“Everybody bowled well and – honestly – wickets could have gone to anyone.

“It was a really strong performance and we are looking forward to the return of Ben Privett and Justin Wubbeling to complete the side.”

Parker, the Barton captain, said the game had to be filed as ‘one that got away’.

“We threw away a win really after getting into a good position by bowling Plympton out for 180,” said Parker.

“Then we made a good start with the bat but didn't apply ourselves properly. Batters need to capitalise of getting starts and we didn't do that.

“Positives to take of course and we are improving each week. 

“It is a massive game against Torquay this Saturday when we need to pull it together in one performance.”