Six-wicket win keeps Plymstock unbeaten at top of B Division | 'James Nicholls (pictured) batted exactly how I wanted him to in another strong chase' – Plymstock captain Tom Mitch
PLYMSTOCK’S winning start in the Tolchards DCL B Division continued with a six-wicket victory over visiting Bideford.
That’s three out of three at the top of the table for Plymstock, who are the only unbeaten team left in the division. They have a five-point lead over Budleigh Salterton.
Bideford’s 45-over total of 205 for six was constructed around two significant stands, both involving veteran opener James Ford.
The dad-and-lad partnership of James Ford (67) and Jack (34) took Bideford from 22 for one to 82 for two before Tom Mitch (2-28) split them up
Ford senior was joined at 94 for four by Alex Hannam (52) and their stand of 105 took Bideford most of the way to their final total.
Mitch and youth graduate Archie Hall (2-14) were the only Plymstock bowlers with more than one wicket in the book. Billy Gibson and Ian Whalley worked at less than four runs an over.
Opener Dave Ling was an early casualty when Plymstock batted – in and out after two deliveries – but that was as good as it got for Bideford.
Tyrese Karelese, Plymstock’s South African under-19 import, took charge from then on and was still there at the end on 102 not out when the winning post was passed. He passed it by smashing Steve Bond for his sixth six to reach his century.
Along the way to victory there was a stand of 148 with James Nicholls (62). Josh Hocken was 16 not out at the end.
No Bideford bowler took more than one wicket. Jack Ford (2.89) and Lukano Metu (3.22) gave little away.
Skipper Mitch said much of the hard work was done in the field.
“We bowled well enough to restrict Bideford and Archie Hall – one of our own youngsters – was quality on debut.
“James Nicholls batted exactly how I wanted him to in another strong chase – and TK’s (Karelese’s) ton was a great watch. I am very happy for him and the team.”
For Bideford, who were among the promotion tips at the start of the season, it was a second defeat in three starts and leaves them at the foot of the table.
“It was a tough result to take, but probably the correct result on the day,” said Ford.
“Our fielding and bowling in general wasn't anywhere near the standard we know we can and should be at.
“Alex Hannam and my dad (James) batted superbly on what wasn’t an easy wicket to get us up to a total we thought was very defendable had we been near our best.
“Overall, lots of lessons learned and lots of work-ons heading in to Clyst St George this weekend.”
