Donovan turns game Clyst's way with unbeaten century | 'Andy Donovan played an incredible knock, not just some superb strikes but with great game management too' – CGS skipper Dan Kendall

CLYST St George defeated Budleigh Salterton by one wicket in a derby ding-dong that could have gone either way right to the end.

Budleigh were bowled out for 228 in the last of their 45 overs, which Clyst passed with their last pair of batters out in the middle.

Dan Kendall, the Clyst captain, said: “It would be fair to say there were a lot of nerves at the end. A good game of cricket between two strong sides.”

Max Mejzner’s run of form continued with a top score of 57 for Budleigh. He was fourth out at 101. Donovan (3-34) had three of the wickets that had fallen.

James Doble (28) kept the board ticking over, as did Lloyd Murrin (34) and Will Down (30).

Owain Saville (3-44) profited with the ball for Clyst in the dash for runs at the end.

Clyst had been nine for three at one stage of their chase and were indebted to Andy Donovan for turning things round with an unbeaten century.

The revival began with a fourth-wicket partnership worth 92 between Donovan and Freddie Creer (26).

A three-wicket burst from Down (4-35) reduced Clyst to 137 for six, which was the point when Inder Singh joined Donovan. Their stand of 82 made a Clyst win possible.

There was a twist or two left in the game yet as Singh, former captain Harry Attwater and Saville all came and went getting from 219 for seven to 227 for nine. Donovan won it with nine balls left in the match when he took a single of Budleigh captain Ed Doble.

Kendall knew exactly where to place the credit for winning the game.

“At 9-3 it looked bleak,” said Kendall. “Andy Donovan played an incredible knock, not just some superb strikes but with great game management too. 

“Freddie helped us rebuild, then Inder played a massive role at number eight to take us to the brink.”

Opposite number Doble said: “Batting, we were 20 runs light at the half way stage, but we showed great fight at the end of the game to take nine wickets and nearly get the job done.”