Devon Cricket Board - Murray refuses to concede title despite loss to leaders

Murray refuses to concede title despite loss to leaders

SIDMOUTH skipper Will Murray isn’t about to run-up the white flag on winning the Premier Division title despite a 106-run defeat away to leaders Torquay.
Torquay made 212 for seven in their 48 overs – Somerset’s Max Waller top scoring with 74.
Defending champions Sidmouth were all out in reply for 106, no one making more than opener Liam Lewis, whose 37 took nearly two hours to make.
Torquay are now 28 points clear of second-placed Sidmouth with four games and 80 points to play for.
Murray admits it will be tough retaining the title, but he won’t give up until it can’t be done.
“I think the momentum is with Torquay now and it will be difficult for anyone to catch them if they keep winning,” said Murray.
“Torquay still have Exmouth and Bovey Tracey to play though, neither of which will be easy for them.
“We will keep going and see where it takes us.”
Murray said Sidmouth had enjoyed some good fortune this season, but their luck ran out at Torquay.
“Not for the first time this season we were four down for less than 40, but unlike other times we didn’t find a way to win.
“Against Exeter and Exmouth we played get-out-of-jail cards, but must have used them all up now.”
Torquay weren’t in great shape at 37 for three after Murray had nipped out openers Mitch Pugh and Justin Yau (21), followed by Scott Barlow removing Matt Thompson for one.
Barlow, now with Bromley in Kent, made a guest appearance for old club Sidmouth, while on holiday.
Sach Galhenage (30) and Waller turned things round by putting on 88.
Ryan Stevenson, due to go spend a second stint with Hampshire on trial this week, made 32 in stands of 24 with Waller and 37 with Nick Watkin (19no) that kept the score moving along.
Sidmouth were looking down the barrel at 36 for four with Mitch Pugh (3-33) doing most of the damage.
Dan Powell (21) and Lewis gave Sidmouth some hope by putting on 36 before Pugh broke the partnership.
When Lewis was seventh out at 97 the writing was on the wall.
Spinners Waller (2-22) and Matt Petherbridge (3-12) polished off the tail with the minimum of fuss.
Torquay’s Justin Yau can see himself becoming the first captain lifting the Premier title since 1997, when Nigel Janes won it for the second year running.
The difficulty Yau faces is keeping his feet on the ground.
“We are in a great position but we know the job is not done yet,” said Yau.
“We have four cup finals and we will not get carried away as anyone can beat anyone on their day.
“We have won six games on the spin, taking 118 points out of the last 120 available - we are hungry for more success and we want to keep this run of form going.
“We are a brilliant unit with match winners everywhere and we have proved that this year.
“We just need to keep ourselves grounded and keep going one game at a time.”
On the win over Sidmouth, Yau said: “It was a great performance and to beat such a good side so convincingly bodes well for our last few games.
“Max, Sach and Ryan dug us out of a hole with the bat and then the bowlers were absolutely superb with their lines and lengths.
“Everyone bowled out of their skin. Ryan and Kaz were fantastic up front and Mitch was incredible with his consistency.
“Max and Peths did what they do best and coupled with excellent fielding, we piled on pressure throughout their innings.”

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