Plympton vs Taunton Deane 

TAUNTON DEANE KEEP TITLE HOPES ALIVE WITH TEN-WICKET WIN

Taunton Deane kept themselves firmly in the Division Two title race with a convincing ten-wicket victory over Plympton at Harewood Park.

Batting first, Plympton struggled to build any momentum and were bowled out for 47 in 18.4 overs. Libby Stallard top-scored with an unbeaten 12, while Immy Burt made 10.

Daisy Farrow was the pick of the Taunton attack with an excellent 3-4 from four overs, including two maidens. Martha Wilkes claimed 2-7, Mathilda Hodgin took 2-8, and Georgia Adams finished with 1-11.

The visitors made short work of the chase. Pippa Stephens struck an unbeaten 30 from 22 balls, including six fours, while Niamh Wait finished 14 not out as Taunton raced to 50 without loss in just 6.2 overs.

The result brought Plympton’s league season to an end on 67 points, while Taunton moved to 60 with one game remaining.

Taunton now face Clyst St George on September 6 knowing a maximum 20-point return would take them to 80 and keep the pressure firmly on leaders Hatherleigh.

 

CLYST ST GEORGE THROW TITLE RACE WIDE OPEN

 

Clyst St George produced one of their strongest performances of the season to beat Division Two leaders Hatherleigh by 62 runs at Bohea Field.

After captain Ali West fell early, Alyssia Hayes and Clare Pym added 126 for the second wicket to put the home side in control. Hayes made an excellent 73 from 78 balls, hitting ten fours, while Pym contributed 43 from 59 as Clyst St George reached 170 for nine from their 35 overs.

Hatherleigh fought back with the ball towards the end of the innings, with Amalie Brock taking 2-25, Chloe Rose 2-31 and Abigail Dennis 2-9.

The visitors were unable to put together the same sort of partnership in reply. Chloe Rose top-scored with 38, but wickets fell regularly around her and Hatherleigh were dismissed for 108 in 23.3 overs.

Sophia Esson led the Clyst St George attack with 3-16, while Esme Brooks and Bella Wells picked up two wickets apiece.

 

Clyst St George captain Ali West was delighted with the all-round display.

“The team really pulled out all the stops against top-of-the-table Hatherleigh and it was a fantastic win. Lyss batted brilliantly for her 73 and Clare backed her up superbly with 43, which gave us a really good total to defend.

“The bowlers then kept things tight and put Hatherleigh under pressure throughout, with Sophia and Belle particularly impressive. We backed that up with some really solid fielding, so it was a great all-round team performance.”

Despite the defeat, Hatherleigh collected six bonus points and remain top on 68 points, one ahead of Plympton, whose season is now complete.

It leaves Hatherleigh in control of their own destiny. They have one match remaining, also against Clyst St George, on September 13. With Taunton able to reach a maximum of 80 points, 13 points from their final game would guarantee Hatherleigh the Division Two title regardless of Taunton’s result.

Before then, all eyes will be on Taunton’s meeting with Clyst St George on September 6, which could have a major say in how the title race looks going into the final weekend.

 

Chris Sleep reporting