Christophers spins out Barton with seven-wicket haul | 'Barton had no answer to Will' – Bovey skipper Seb Ansley

BOVEY Tracey stayed on course for a top-four finish in the A Division with a 151-run win over relegated Barton.

Opener Jake Pascoe (57), Albie Bradley (46), Sam Harvey (38) and skipper Seb Ansley (40) all plundered runs as Bovey cantered along to 268 for eight.

The greatest stand along the way was one of 69 between Bradley and Sam Harvey for the fifth wicket.

Fin Last (2-29) was the only Barton bowler to take more than one wicket. Louis Hargreaves and Matt Lipton bowled 10 and nine overs respectively at less than four runs each.

Barton had a nightmare start – Last was run out first ball after tea – but regrouped through Nick Watkin (16), Tinashe Kamunhukamwe (26) and skipper Steve Lewis (27).

It all went horribly wrong for Barton when Bovey wheeled on former Devon leg-spinner Will Christophers.

Christophers hinted at what was to come with two wickets in his first over and went on to claim seven wickets for 12 runs conceded in a 10-over spell. Barton were 45 for two when he came on and 115 all out by the time he had finished.

Ansley said it was: “It was a strong performance with both bat and ball to give us a convincing win when we did most things right.

“It is just a shame that couple of missed opportunities this season with regards to our final position. 

“Jake Pascoe set the platform for the middle order to have some fun.  Albie Bradley showing good patience with his knock meant we had plenty on the board to bowl at.

“Barton had no answer to Will. He bowled very well for his figures and without five wides he could have had five more maidens.”

Lewis is already looking ahead to next season back in the B Division and rebuilding around a developing group of players, who are already showing encouraging signs.

“I was really happy with our young bowlers,” said Lewis. “Louis Hargreaves was superb, Jack Shelton had a positive leg-spin spell and Matt Lipton found great areas with the new ball.”

Barton have seen too much of Christophers this season – his figures against them over two matches are 12 for 38 – which prompted a brutally honest comment from Lewis.

“Will Christophers is a bowler we just can't deal with,” said Lewis. He didn't miss his line and we had literally no answers to it. 

“Allowing Will to take seven for 12 is a big problem for us. It is one that indicates a gulf in class at this level.”