Dabhade (pictured) and Western turn things round for Torquay & Kingskerswell | Tenth-wicket stand of 105 changes game

TORQUAY & Kingskerswell pulled-off a remarkable 66-run victory over Kilmington in a game they looked to be doomed to lose.

Harry Passenger’s side were in all sorts of disarray at 87 for six after a going over from Kilmington bowlers Ben Fuzzard (2-72), skipper Oli Reed (2-38) and Rob Crabb (3-27).

When James Tyler (36) was eighth out on 130, followed almost instantly by debutant Charlie Smout-Cooper, it looked all over for the Seasiders.

Last-wicket pair Dan Western and Ritesh Dabhade were not buying into that narrative and set about repairing the damage.

An unbroken tenth-wicket stand 105 between Western (67no) and Dabhade (43) took T&K to 236 for nine. It was a far cry from 130 for eight!

It wasn’t a record – Exmouth hold that for a stand of 141 against Cornwood in 2009 – but second in the all-time list is quite an achievement.

Tail-ender Dabhade has ‘previous’ for this sort of activity. He and Harry Baxendale put on 73 for the tenth wicket last season against Thorverton.

Torquay & Kingskerswell’s bowlers now had something worth defending … and defend it they did!

Baxendale (3-26) and Dabhade (3-24) were up to their influential tricks again – this time as bowlers – with three wickets each in Kilmington’s demise. Tyler also took three poles as Kilmington slid to 170 all out.

Josh Cann made 42, skipper Reed had 41 and Joe Elsworth stuck around to make 20.

There’s no change at the top of the table where the one-two remains North Devon (160pts) and Torquay & Kingskerswell (155).

Reed, the Kilmington skipper, felt his side’s lack of a killer instinct cost them dearly.

“We bowled well up top; just didn't finish the job off and you can't afford to do that at this level,” said Reed.

“We bowl them out 140 we win that game.

“Full credit to Western and Dabhade: they batted really well!”