CHUDLEIGH bounced back from their defeat by Paignton with an unlikely 14-run win at Barton.
Chudleigh’s 131 for six in 35 overs – the game was rain affected – looked within Barton’s range when they set off in pursuit.
Losing opener Shaun Needham second ball wasn’t part of the game plan – and neither was being 84 for six!
After a brief revival led by Jared Seiffert (27), Barton lost their last four wickets for nine runs on the way to 117 all out.
Barton stay fifth in the table, but have lost touch with the top four by 19 points.
Chudleigh are still in the bottom five, but have moved 11 points clear of the relegation places.
Chudleigh’s aim this season is to stay up following promotion and the verdict from skipper Ed Foreman is so far so good.
“All round I am pleased with our first half of the season, but we have a lot of work still to do,” said Foreman.
Foreman missed out with the bat – he was first to go on 10 – but Mark Solway (48) batted for 101 balls to take Chudleigh to 118 for four.
Will Heather (18) and Solway put on 46 for the second wicket a d there were chip-ins from Corey Sinclair (13) and Shaun Newland (18).
Stuart Bowker (3-28) took wickets for Barton after Andy McVeigh, Mark Gilmour and Tom Drake bowled miserly spells up top.
Gilmour went on to top score for Barton with 30, but was send out to Will Heather (2-22) on 45 with a long way to go.
Rob Clarke (4-15) and Ben Holmes (2-38) kept the wickets coming for Chudleigh.
Seiffert’s departure bowled Holmes was the beginning of the end for Barton.
“I thought after losing the toss we would be in for a tough day due to the pitch being covered in damp patches,” said Foreman.
“The boys adapted well to the changing weather and stoppages.
“I must give credit to the umpires – Peter Jolliffe and Paul Smith - for their patience and willingness to get play going.
“I thought we did well to get to 130 after losing a lot of overs but did exceptionally well to defend that score.
“We managed to create pressure, forced bad shots and held our catches.”
