Century stand by Hammett and Van Staden sweeps Bovey to hefty win | Four wickets for Christophers (pictured) hurts Kilmington

SLADE van Staden and Lewis Hammett shared an unbroken stand of 112 that guided Bovey Tracey to a hefty eight-wicket win at Kilmington.

Victory lifted Bovey up to third in the table, where they trail leaders Tavistock (98pts) and second-placed Hatherleigh (73) by five points.

Bovey have the perfect chance to trim the arrears this Saturday as Tavistock are their opposition on the Ashburton Road ground.

Kilmington’s all-out total of 168 always looked on the low side, which Bovey confirmed by knocking it off with more than eight overs in hand.

Jake Pascoe (10) and Albie Bradley (32) got the chase under way. Hammett (43no) and van Staden (75no) wrapped it up.

Earlier, no one made more than Josh Cann (35) for Kilmington, although Matt Pile (29) and Joel Seward (28) were not far behind.

Ben Kay (3-34), Bovey’s left-arm seamer, took out two of the top three, then spinners Will Christophers (4-29) and Ollie Clifford-Bourne (2-26) got into the rest of the order.

It was all over bar the shouting in the time it took Kilmington to dip from 108 for three to 127 for eight. Tail-ender Ben Fuzzard (18) kept Bovey in the field longer than they anticipated.

Seb Ansley, Bovey’s promotion hunting captain, said: “Ben Kay is proving a real asset for us and really restricted them up top, followed bhy Will Christophers with a fabulous spell in the middle overs. 

“The target looked a little light, but the pitch did offer a bit in Oli Reed’s early spell.

“It was nice to get a solid opening platform set, and leave Slade and Lewis to do the rest of the job.”

Kilmington are four points above the relegation places with a tricky trip to Torquay & Kingskerswell on the horizon.

Skipper Reed is confident results will perk-up.

“Just need to find some form with both bat and ball,” said Reed.

“Haven't been firing yet, but I'm sure our time will come.

“Looking for some individuals to take some accountability and make match-winning performances.

“Bovey bowled with absolute control throughout; that's something we are struggling to do at the minute.

“It's important that we stick together at the minute. Results will come soon enough.”