Devon Cricket Board - Budleigh grab lifeline in survival fight

Budleigh grab lifeline in survival fight

PLYMOUTH have some work to do to steer clear of being sucked into relegation trouble following a 46-run defeat at Budleigh Salterton.

Budleigh made 301 for five in the full 50 overs – former Cornwood youngster and Plymouth College pupil Matt Kidd belting 65 off 268 balls after James Burke (49), Jack Dart (53) and Seb Langridge (58) made runs earlier in the innings.

Plymouth were all out for 255 in reply – Jake Luffman top scoring on 86 - condemning them to a third defeat in the last four outings.

There’s a 34-point gap between Plymouth and Bradninch in the second relegation spot, which isn’t wide enough to relax on just yet.

Small improvements will make a big difference according to Plymouth captain Hooper, who added on a pitch suited to batters Budleigh made better use of it than his side.

“The pitch was fairly lifeless and it was definitely a batsman’s day,” said Hooper.

“I think the difference was their batsman kept going, whereas ours got out rather than going on to get a big score.

“Jake Luffman batted brilliantly and showed how good he is. It was disappointing we were continually losing wickets as with him there we could have won it.

“We dropped a couple of catches which were quite costly and we know that is one area amongst others that we can improve.”

Burke, another Plymouth College old boy, made the early runs for Budleigh before Langridge and Dart took over.

Kiwi Langridge played an anchorman role for 77 balls, allowing Dart and later Kidd to get on with it.

Dart’s maiden Premier halfcentury came of 45 balls and included two sixes and seven fours – one an audacious reverse sweep off Plymouth pacer Dave Burke.

Kidd then launched nto the Plymouth bowling with five sixes and six fours as Budleigh added 90 runs in the last seven overs. Ouch.

Plymouth lost opener Callum Whittaker second ball after tea to Kidd – a dismissal some of the Budleigh players celebrated a little too enthusiastically.

James Toms (54) and Maruns Labuschagne (34) put on 84 in 14 overs as Plymouth quickly repaired the damage.

Toms was second out when he chopped a delivery from Matt Plowman into his stumps.

Labuschagne was third to go- Plowman (3-36) got him as well – and with Ben Stein (21) then both Bennett’s going in a hurry – Plymouth were 151 for six with a lot to do.

Luffman gave it his best shot, but other than Hooper with 17 lacked support. He was last man out in the 46th over.

Budleigh skipper Joel Murphy(3-53)and James Burke (2-44) knocked over the stragglers.

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