Cunningham (pictured) and Oldfield see Plymstock over the line | 'obbie showed the quality we all know he has to assist Chezzy and see us home' – Tom Mitch

CLYST St George slipped into the B Division bottom two after going down by two-wickets to Plymstock.

Plymstock were 140 for eight chasing 180 to win and glad of tail-ender Rob Cunningham sticking around long enough to help Chester Oldfield (68no) get them over the line.

Clyst, who have been weaving around the bottom three for most of the season, were bowled out in the 49th over for 179.

Sam White (3-37) got into the middle order and Billy Gibson (3-24) went after what was left.h

Charlie Taylor (45) and form batter Ridouan Asselman (32) had the only scores of note in a progressive tally of 107 for four. Par Singh (26) and Ewan Cragg (26no) took CSG within sight of their summative total.

Plymstock appeared to be in a strong position at 94 for two with runs in book for openers Max Castledene (20) and Tom Mitch (35). Oldfield was 18 not out at the time.

Ewan Cragg (3-37) and Singh (2-40) made life awkward for Plymstock, who dipped to 128 for six. And a two-wicket salvo from Bertie Creer (2-39) made things worse.

Oldfield was 51 not out when Cunningham joined him and in six overs they knocked-off the runs.

Singh, the Clyst captain, said there were several reasons how and why the game got away.

“Defending 180 you always have to be on it from ball one – and we were sloppy for the initial 30-45 minutes,” said Singh. 

“Plymstock bowled very well but some of our shot selection was questionable. On that wicket 179 was 20-30 below par.

“Ewan Cragg and Bertie Creer bowled exceptionally well to drag us back into the game. 

“The turning point was when Chester Oldfield was dropped at short cover when they were already eight down and still needing 25. But it’s cricket and these things happen.

“We still have only batted out 50 overs once this season and at this level it isn’t good enough.”

Tom Mitch, the Plymstock captain, said: “We battled well with the ball to restrict them after they were 70 for one. Don’t think we were at our best. but happy to be chasing 180. 

Got off to a great start, put ourselves ahead of the game. One of myself or Max should’ve gone deep but the maturity Chester is showing with the bat is outstanding.

"Disappointing to let a good platform slip to make hard work of it, but Robbie showed the quality we all know he has to assist Chezzy and see us home.”

On Plymstock’s position in the pack chasing top two Seaton and Stoke Gabriel, Mitch said: “After a couple of good wins to take us into half way, now a big run of fixtures where we will have to be better to keep winning.”