NORTH Devon remain out in front at the top of the A Division following a hard-gained three-wicket win over lowly Bovey Tracey.
Bovey, who have now dropped into the bottom two, were limited to 166 for eight in their 50 overs.
When North Devon were 77 for six in reply in the 20th over it was anyone’s guess which way the game was going to go?
Ed Wilson and Jack Popham constructed a stand of 53 that got North Devon back on track. Popham (39no) saw it through in tandem with Henry McEndoo.
There isn’t much room for error behind North Devon (122pts) in the promotion race as Torquay & Kingskerswell (120) and Heathcoat (115) are chasing hard. Heathcoat away this Saturday is going to be a test for North Devon.
At the other end of the table Bovey have been bypassed by Kilmington, who moved out of the bottom two with an edgy 10-run win over Bridestowe & Belstone.
Bovey’s innings was a fractured affair with Jake Pascoe and Reuben Stanley making a pair of 25s in a running total of 87 for four. Skipper Seb Ansley (32) and got runs after that.
James Lake, Jack Popham and McEndoo all had two wickets each for North Devon. Skipper Jack Moore (2.30) and Definate Mawadzi (1.90) gave nothing away for 10 overs each.
North Devon found runs hard to come by when the ball was new as Rob Pyrke (4-35) got stuck into them.
Wilson (26) and Popham used up 17 overs compiling their stand of 53, which swung the match North Devon’s way.
Said Moore: “The bowlers were superb once again. James Lake and Jack Popham set the tone and spinners backed it up.
“We made tough work of the chase, but it was good to find a way over the line again.
“Jack Popham’s innings under pressure was fantastic. How he isn't playing for Devon week in and week out now he's back to full fitness is beyond me?
“I would recommend the Devon management to have a conversation with him.”
