TAVISTOCK are another win closer to Premier Division survival after defeating title-chasing Exmouth by 67 runs at the Ring.
The Moorlanders are now 26 points clear of the relegation places with five games left to stay there. The Maer Grounders are 17 points behind new leaders Paignton, who were only five ahead going into the latest batch of matches.
James White’s 96 – a catch behind the stumps cost him a first Premier Division ton – underpinned Tavistock’s team total of 246 all out.
White, who opened-up with first-ball casualty Elliot Hamilton, was involved in stands that took Tavistock to 198 for six. Big support came from West Indian under-19 rising star Joshua Dorne (35) and Rhys Davies (22). Harry Witcher made 30, mostly after White had departed.
“James White was excellent,” said skipper Sean Cleave. “He wasn’t quite in full flow, but he dug in when it mattered and played an innings for the team.
“James was brilliantly supported by Joshua Dorne, while Harry Witcher produced another really important knock towards the end.
“Harry has settled in brilliantly since arriving from Plymouth and is proving to be a fantastic asset to the side.”
Cam Kidd (4-41) was Exmouth only multiple wicket taker. Ed Butler (3.50) and Lawrence Greeneway (3.90) were the meanest per-over bowlers.
Exmouth’s issue on the chase was not having an anchorman batter like White to manage the chase.
Louis Morison (25), Jack Dart (36), Fin Marks (26) and George Greenway (25) all got in, got settled and got out without going on to a big score.
Spin proved Exmouth’s undoing with nine out of 10 wickets falling to the turning ball in a total of 179 all out. James Horler was run-out.
New boy Dorne had three for 27, old-hand Hamilton took three for 41 and there were a wicket apiece for Davies, Tom Clarke and Shaun Daymond.
“Our spinners once again proved to be the difference,” said skipper Cleave. “They’ve been outstanding all season, and this was no exception.
“Exmouth came at us hard, exactly as you’d expect from a side with their quality, but we stuck to our task, trusted our skills, and in the end came away with what I believe was a deserved victory.”
