Devon Cricket Board - Seward ton is Axminster catalyst

Seward ton is Axminster catalyst

JOEL Seward clouted an unbeaten century to set Axminster on course for a 61-run win over bottom side Stoke Gabriel.

Seward was in early after Gary Larcombe departed in the first over and batted through to the end.

Along the way he put on 68 with Johnny Hurford (55) and 63 with Dave Field (47no). Tristan Wakeley chipped in with 20 and there were 49 extras.

Ten-man Stoke struggled in the bowling department, where Jack Tolley’s two wickets in nine overs cost 89 runs.

Stoke set off sharply with openers Mark Gilmour (81) and Mark Newman (64) putting on 139.

Axminster were relieved when Alex Wraight (2-41) sent Gilmour back to the hutch.

Doug Ansley’s 20 was the best of the rest as Axminster worked through the batting.

Larcombe (3-34) and Matt Pyle (3-37) did most of the damage as the villagers were bowled out for 234.

Stoke have a make-or-break game with fellow strugglers Barnstaple this Saturday, which skipper Gilmour hopes will be a turning point.

“It could be an early sign of relegation, or it could be the start of the two or three wins we need early in the second half of the season to be a solid B Division side,” said Gilmour.

Gilmour said there are issues to sort out in the dressing room as he was unimpressed by having to play a man short.

“To arrive with ten was annoying to say the least,” said Gilmour.

“However, the players put on a hell of an effort in chasing what was always 60 runs too many.”

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