Devon Cricket Board - E Division - Whimple overpower Upottery

WHIMPLE powered to yet another three-hundred plus score as they eased their way to a 72-run win at East Devon neighbours Upottery.

Henry Gordon-Lennox was the star of the show as he stroked his way to another magnificent century, finally out for 125 whilst Steve Palfrey (66) and Matt Brown (34) also enjoyed themselves on a good batting strip at Upottery.

Batting first, Whimple were able to declare on 315-9 and then they restricted the home side to 243-6 with Phil Hope claiming 3-23.

The run chase began well with 70 on the board without loss after 15 overs, but the asking rate grew and the target looked to be to secure maximum batting points, something they did comfortably.

Gary Kennard (45), Andrew Pullman (31) and Ollie Rice (36no) provided the main contributions as the Upottery reply closed on 243-6.

The defeat leaves the villagers sitting second bottom and now ten points from safety in terms of avoiding slipping down into the basement division.

Shane Kennard and Ryan Pullman both claimed three wickets each for Upottery.

Skipper Ben Silk said: “It was not the best day for us as we did not get them all out and so pick up a full house of 22 points. We did not bowl well and our fielding was well below par.

“That said I cannot be too hard on the lads as we did hit 300 plus and we were up against a side clearly not looking to win the game, more a case of making sure they bagged maximum batting points! It was great to see runs from batsmen who have not been notching big scores lately and that auger’s well for the run-in as we clearly have a number of batsmen now in form.”

Whimple stay third in the table, five points behind leaders Babbacombe who thrashed Kilmington by a whopping 318 runs and they sit just one point behind second placed Whitchurch who they meet next on Saturday.

Silk says: “It’s a massive game for both sides for, with five games to play after it, who ever wins will feel they are in the box seat for the run-in. I will not need any additional motivation powers with the lads.

“This is what we sizzle in the summer sun for on Saturday’s, to hopefully end the season with something to show for our efforts, and, if we are to enjoy the end of this term then beating Whitchurch is a must.”

YARCOMBE & Stockland went down by five wickets to Kentisbeare.

The defeat leaves the team 22 points from safety at the foot of the E Division and a return to the basement division looks likely.

Simon Durrant (61) and Jon Rich (47) scored runs as Yarcombe closed on a respectable 218-8 at Kentisbeare.

The Mid Devon side lost just five wickets on their way to victory.

Next up for Yarcombe & Stockland is the daunting prospect of facing table topping Babbacombe who crushed Kilmington by a whopping 318 runs last weekend!

BABBACOMBE should take another step closer to the E Division title this Saturday when they make the long trip to Yarcombe & Stockland.

The East Devon side are rock bottom and up against a team which thrashed Kilmington by 318 runs last.

Player-coach Andy Kingdon had a game he will never forget against Kilmington, performing a hat-trick on his way to taking nine wickets for 27 runs.

Until this season Kingdon would have described himself as a part-time bowler, seldom called on while turning out for Paignton or Bovey Tracey in the Premier and A Divisions.

Dad Malcolm was a bowling legend 29 years in the Devon League, firstly with Torquay and latterly with Paignton, taking 745 league wickets before injury forced him to stop in 2001. He earned the nickname 'The Sultan of Swing' from friends and rivals alike.

Malcolm never took more than eight wickets in a match – and never did take a hat-trick.

“In one day I beat my dad who was one of the best bowlers of his and any other era in the league,” said Kingdon.

“The shame was he usually gets to all the games, but was ill on Saturday and stayed in bed.

“I can’t see it happening again, but you never know…”

Kingdon junior took the match ball home with him after the game and plans to have it mounted.

“It is safely tucked away on my bedside cabinet right now – I don’t want to lose it,” said Kingdon.

Skipper Steve Broad, who was sidelined due to injury on Saturday, said Kingdon looked the real deal as a bowler.

“He bowled with skill, accuracy and aggression to take 9 for 27,” said Broad.

“Five of his dismissals were clean bowled, which also included a hat-trick, and he took the last two wickets in successive balls, meaning he will be on a hat-trick against Yarcombe.

Babbacombe were always in the driving seat after compiling 367 for five – Jacob Hands leading the way with 116.

Mike Pugh (52), Kingdon (43) and Tim Goodwin (20) all chipped in.

Matt Passmore had the other wicket to fall as Kilmington were bowled out for 49 in reply.