Another ton from Hamilton (pictured) not enough to secure win for Plympton | 'Too many batsmen contributed to their own downfall, and we need to do better as a batting unit' – Harry Kandampully

PLYMPTON’S Elliot Hamilton hit an A Division century for the second game in a row and finished up on the losing side … again.

Hamilton, who took Cullompton for 121 first time out, made 104 towards Plympton’s total of 190 all out at Kilmington.

Just a few more runs lower down the order might have come in handy as Kilmington only had 11 balls left when they knocked-off the runs.

Only Barton are below Plympton in the early league table, something skipper Harry Kandampully will hope to address when he takes the side to Tavistock this Saturday.

Opener Hamilton, who hit 14 fours and a six, was involved in stands that added 170 before he was the seventh man out. Kandampully (21) was at the other end during a partnership worth 61 for the second wicket.

Only youngster Kristian King (20 off 56 balls) made a significant contribution apart from his captain.

Rob Crabb (3-31) and Matt Reed (3-29) were Kilmington’s leading wicket takers. Skipper Oli Reed (0-26) gave little away.

Opener Tom Gooding (79) was Kilmington’s anchor man during the chase, which he took all the way to 136 for four.

Brett Garner (28) and Josh Cann (30no) steered Kilmington most of the rest of the way.

The most respectable of Plympton’s bowling figures belonged to Harnoop Kalsi (2-29), Alex Carr (2-27) and the wicketless Tom Appleyard, who sent down six overs for just 19 runs.

Oli Reed, the Kilmington captain, felt he got the reaction he was looking for after the opening day reversal against Tavistock.

“Overall it was a much better performance from the team and great to get our first win of the season. 

“Brilliant fight back from our spin attack after Plympton were 120 for two, particularly Rob Crabb and Matt Reed, who brought real control and pressure in both their spells.

“Credit to Hamilton, who batted very well and looked in control throughout.

“I thought we were in control throughout our chase, but made hard work of it towards the end, losing wickets at the wrong time.

“It was great to see Tom Gooding batting very well and hitting them clean. 

“Well done to Josh Cann for seeing us over the line and useful knock from Brett Garner took the pressure off. 

“Hopefully this can kick start our season.”

Kandampully said the game was there to be won, but he felt it was allowed to slip away.

“I can't fault the effort from the guys, but it was disappointing to lose a close game when we could have won had we held on to a few chances. 

“Elliot batted brilliantly – again – but too many batsmen contributed to their own downfall, and we need to do better as a batting unit. 

“The bowlers – Tom Appleyard, Ed Hurst and Harnoop Kalsi in particular – were massively improved from last week against Cullompton and bowled very tight lines.

“Not the start we wanted, but positives to take into this Saturday.”