Tavistock's Dom Snyman – one of three bowlers to take two wickets in the win over Chudleigh<br>credit: Conrad Sutcliffe

By CONRAD SUTCLIFFE

CHUDLEIGH lost by seven wickets to Tavistock as they were behind the asking rate when rain stopped play.

Chudleigh were able to bat out the full 45 overs they were allowed and made it to 235 for seven.

Veteran Mark Solway made 48 at first wicket down but the main run getter was in-form Adam Kent with 98 not out from 82 balls faced.

Will Heather (23) and Kent shared a stand of 75 for Chudleigh’s fifth wicket.Chudleigh's Mark Solway – runs and a rare bowl in the game against Tavistocl

Dom Snyman (2-19), Charlie Barriball (2-45) and Will Scott-Munden (2-27) were the most successful of the Tavistock bowlers.

Tavistock’s batters were astute enough to know there was rain in the forecast and their priority was getting ahead of the run rate ASAP.

Tavvy were 46 without loss after five overs – Ian Gray (44) and Rhys Davies (61no) getting on with it – and from then on it was Chudleigh who were chasing the game.

Davies and Steve Luffman (23no) were there when rain stopped play in the 28th over with the score on 168 for three.

Eight bowlers had a trundle for Chudleigh. Only skipper Will Heather (2-25) took more than one wicket.

Former captain and wicketkeeper Solway, who has been in the team for three decades, got to turn his arm over for the first time in a league match.

Heather, the Chudleigh captain, said he felt the game was still there to be won when rain halted proceedings.

“Just as we were getting back in the game, the rain came and ruined any chance of a fight back,” said Heather.

“Unfortunately, we couldn't have had a worse start with the ball and we gave them a 50-run head start in the first five overs and were fighting back from there.

“Reduced overs usually favours the team batting second and there wasn't a lot we could do about that.

“That's cricket though and we go again this week with another big game against Dartington & Totnes when we will be looking to put a few things right.”

Heather said there were elements of the game that did go well, particularly when Chudleigh batted.

“Adam Kent batted superbly and was so unlucky not to get his hundred, just running out of time,” said Heather.

“Tavistock's bowling attack was the best we have seen this season and credit to the batting department to get a decent score on the board.”