Devon Cricket Board - Jeewan steers Bridgers to bounce back win over Pens

Jeewan steers Bridgers to bounce back win over Pens

IVYBRIDGE bounced back from their 12-run defeat by lowly Axminter in the best possible way by beating leaders Ipplepen.
Ipplepen, back in the B Division this season after an absence of 16 years, struggled to make 129 all out in their final over.
Paul Veale (9-4-81) and Jamie Bullock (2-20) were aided and abetted by Adam Huxtable and Harry Solomon in reducing Pens to 56 for six.
The lower order put up some resistance with Sam Wakeham and Marcus Green adding 24, topped up by a dogged ninth wicket stand of 46 between Paul Thomas (31) and Steve Bowden (12no).
Thomas hit one six straight down the ground, to the delight of his team-mates.
Pens needed early wickets and when Thomas trapped opener Andy Johnson in the second over, hopes were high in the away camp.
Pens’ Aussie Nick Fairbank made a game of it with a four-for-29 haul which had Ivybridge a little anxious at 61 for five.
Jeewan deSilva was unmoved by it all and batted through for an unbeaten 35 to win the game.
Adam Huxtable (19) and skipper Gareth Andrews (18no) were with deSilva while the last 68 required were accounted for.
Skipper Andrews was glad with the response after the defeat by Axminster, but added there are still improvements to be made.
“It was a good toss to win on a wet wicket,” said Andrews.
“But you still need to bowl well, which we did especially Jimmy Bullock and Paul Veale.
“I felt we could have been a little more positive at times in the run chase.
“We still aren't at our best yet but are improving slowly.”
Vanquished captain Keith Wakeham said losing the toss and batting first on an uncovered wicket played a large part in the result.
Ivybridge found runs almost as hard to come by and Wakeham felt there wasn’t much in the game either way.
“With a total to defend, our early bowling was disciplined, but perhaps not forcing their batsmen to play enough deliveries,” said Wakeham.
“The pitch was still playing tricks and scoring runs remained hard.
“Bringing Nick Fairbank into the attack brought an immediate rewards as he reduced them to 61 for five.
“Unfortunately, de Silva stood firm, Huxtable blasted a flurry of boundaries and Andrews saw them home.
“It was a great effort to push them close, but having dropped a few catches and with a bit more application with the bat, we might still have brought home the win.
“This week brings the derby with Abbotskerswell our visitors, and we will be looking to bounce back again, having held on to top spot.

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