Robbins (pictured) easy pick as MoM for Thoverton in win over Torquay & Kingskerswell | 'To still be in the promotion mix with one to go is a great achievement' – skipper Jake Choules

THORVERTON still have a wafer-thin chance of being promoted into the DCL Premier Division after defeating Torquay & Kingskerswell by five wickets.

Hatherleigh are already assured of promotion after beating Tavistock by 163 runs in the latest round of fixtures – and only require six points off Torquay & Kingskerswell this Saturday to go up as champions.

Tavistock, who topped the table from week two to week 15, sit in second place, where they have a 13-point lead over Thorverton. Both teams have 11 wins, but bonus points militate in Tavistock’s favour.

In the unlikely event that Tavistock lose to already relegated Barton this Saturday, Thorverton could snatch second spot by winning at Kilmington.

Judging from his latest comments, Thorverton captain Jake Choules is a realist not a fantasist.

“It's a shame we're so far behind on bonus points and when it goes down to the wire you can look back at lots of fine margins,” said Choules.

“Overall I have no regrets. We were well beaten in the four games lost,  and picked up maximum points plenty of times when we won, especially in the second half. 

“To still be in the promotion mix with one to go is a great achievement. And you never know what might happen on the final day...”

One point is all Torquay & Kingskerswell need against Hatherleigh this Saturday to avoid the slimmest of relegation threats, which they will gain by scoring 50 runs or taking two wickets.

Dan Robbins (4-43) led the Thorverton bowling effort as Torquay & Kingskerswell were bowled out for 161. Ben Slaviero took three for 30 and spinner Choules had two for 20 from eight miserly overs.

Once South Africa Nathan Roux (40) and Tim Western (28) had been and gone, only extras (30) made a significant contribution to the T&K scores.

The Thorverton run chase was a workmanlike affair which was put to bed after 28 overs.

Robbins (32) made early runs, Shane Yelverton (33) kept the runs coming and Harry Choules (23) and George Daldorph (46no) effectively sealed the result.

Spinners Harry Baxendale (3-40) and Harry Passenger (2-57) took all the wickets.

Said captain Choules: “I seem to say it most weeks, but it was another ruthless performance, maybe one of our most dominant. 

“Great that so many different people contribute week to week with lots of chips in with bat and ball.”