ABBOTSKERSWELL put some distance between themselves and the C West drop zone by inflictin a five-wicket win on Paignton in the basement battle at Queen’s Park.
Abbots went into round six hovering above cellar dwellers Hatherleigh and South Devon, and in danger of being overtaken by third-from-bottom Paignton.
This win, Abbots’ second of the season, put 26 points between them and second-bottom South Devon, who were washed-off against Plymouth 2nd XI.
Former Devon captain Neil Hancock thwacked 85 off 63 balls – seven sixes, four fours – in Paignton’s 25-over tally of 165 for five. Sam Woodcock (39) and Carl McFarlane (26) shared stands of 78 and 58 respectively with Hancock.
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Jay Hussain (2-17) was easily the most effective and economical of the Abbotskerswell bowlers.
Hussain did not fare so well with a bat in his hand – out second ball to Jacob Lander (2-17) – not that it really mattered!
Charlie Hill (26) and skipper Toby Codd (30) got the chase started. Aussie Brayden Notman’s rapid 70 not out off 56 balls concluded the entertainment, aided by Alfie Harrison with a solid 10 not out.
Codd, the winning captain, had plenty to be pleased with in his post-match summing up.
“I thought we stuck at it pretty well in the field,” said Codd. “There was one short boundary and with four off-spinners keeping them to 165 was a decent effort.
“We felt in the game at half way and knew if we could put a couple partnerships together we would be there or there abouts.”
Charlie Hill’s contribution got a glowing reference from Codd, who credited it with keeping up with the asking rate.
Codd added: “Brayden Notman was superb through the middle and finishing it off. He hit the ball really cleanly and we were always in the driving seat with him at the crease.
“A big shout out to Alfie Harrison who got us over the line; he’s becoming a crucial part of our team with bat and ball.”
Abbots will be targeting a third straight win on their way up the table this Saturday when they host Hatherleigh.
