Hall and Cunningham steer Plymstock to first win in three starts | 'I don't think we got out of first gear for most of the day, but got the job done' – Tom Mitch

PLYMSTOCK won for the first time in three outings when they defeated relegated Abbotskerswell by two wickets.

It may not have been that convincing against a side doomed to the drop – Plymstock were 99 for seven at one point chasing 166 to win – but the grit shown by the lower order was impressive.

And it was a result Plymstock (231pts) desperately needed to avoid slipping behind chasers Ivybridge (227) or Clyst St George (226) in the scramble to go up behind champs-in-waiting Budleigh Salterton.

For Abbots it was confirmation of relegation for the second successive season. The drop became inevitable in the wake of defeat number 13 this season, which left Abbots 57 points adrift with just 40 to play for.

Opener James Tyler (46) just missed out on a third successive half-century for Abbotskerswell in their 45-over total of 165 for nine.

Jamie Lock made 32 – he and Tyler put on 79 for the second wicket – and Niall McCarthy added 26.

Ian Whalley finally removed Tyler and went on to claim four for 27. Tom Mitch took two for 27.

Anthony Miller (3-53) and Tyler (2-21) promptly reduced Plymstock to 41 for five in reply.

Josh Sumner (24) and Alex Thomas (24) hauled it back to 99 for six before the former was dismissed.

The match-winning stand was one of 44 for the eighth wicket between Archie Hall (27no) and Rob Cunningham (16). Billy Gibson (8no) was in at the end and hit Jake Fox for four to clinch it.

For Plymstock skipper Tom Mitch it was a ‘step in the right direction’ after a couple of defeats, although the team was not at its best.

“ I don't think we got out of first gear for most of the day, but got the job done,” said Mitch.

“Archie Hall was quality and showed maturity beyond his years with both bat and ball. Ian 'grandad' Whalley was excellent with the ball as well.

“The top order must do more for the last two games, but the middle order was quality and showed how much depth we have as a batting unit.”