Devon Cricket Board - A Division - Abbots limp to a draw

A Division - Abbots limp to a draw

CORNWOOD’S game against Paignton was the only one in the A Division to go the distance – although skipper Craig Harris was left wondering whether it was worthwhile.

Jason Hall top scored for Cornwood with 60, and Elliot Staddon bashed 25 not out at the end, as Cornwood made 155 for seven in 40 rain-reduced overs.

Rob Shergold had three for 44 while Chris Kelmere’s mixture of off-spin and quicker arm balls brought him two for 30.

Abbotskerswell also batted for 40 overs – admittedly with a break for rain – and posted the grand total of 74 for eight, which wasn’t enough to claim any draw points.

Mohammad Salman had three for 15, Mike Wood two for 16 and Andy Bees one for two as Abbots covered up. Mike Pugh (20) and opener Phil Allen (14) made the only scores of note.

Harris was happy with the points as no one else in the division took as many as 15 from their rain-affected games.

Abbots’ tactics were something of a frustration though.

“We never really saw any intention from Abbots to get near our target,” said Harris.

“We took regular wickets, but after getting them 30 for five then 49 for seven, it turned out to be a bit of a slow finish.

We changed bowlers in any attempt to prise them out, but it seemed their plan was to stick around.”

Harris was a lot more upbeat about the batting performance and in particular Hall’s knock for 60.

“We didn’t know what was going to be a good score, nor how much we would play,” said Harris.

“Our total was based around a great innings by Jason, well timed and disciplined. “Whilst the ball and track were doing a bit here and there, he looked composed and in control.”

Plymstock’s game against Brixham came to a soggy end when it could have gone either way.

Plymstock were all out for 119 with Matt Reynolds (38) and James Nicholls (22) hanging around longest against Brixham seamers Rhys Dallow (4-31) and Mark Orchard (3-22).

Brixham were 25 for two after 11 overs – both wickets going to Hallam Kerton (2-13) when the rain came.

PLYMPTON were rained off against Paignton just when the game was getting interesting.

Skipper Andy Walter made a top score of 34, and there were chip ins from Aeemer Hayat (27) and Chris Bunney towards at 36-over total of 141 all out.

Steve George was the pick of the Paignton bowlers with five for 31 while Brady Barneds had three for 46, including the prized scalp of Somerset’s Lewis Gregory, who was lbw for 11.

Paignton were 33 for none in reply after six and a half overs with Seb Benton (19no) just getting warmed up.

Paignton went away convinced they would have won the game. Plympton skipper Walter wasn’t so sure, but admitted his side could have done better.

“I don’t think 141 was a true reflection of what we are capable of batting and what we should have been looking for was 180 or even 200,” said Walter.

“It is the same story every week though that the middle order simply is not firing.

“Bowling wise we gave them three or four an over minimum right from the start and that put them in command.

“There was a long way to go though and we have all seen games change very quickly in the sort of conditions we had on Saturday.

“All I would say is I was disappointed all round because I know our players are better than this.

“When they all click someone is going to be on the receiving end. It needs to be sooner rather than later though. We are two games from being halfway through the season and if our results don’t improve soon we won’t be going anywhere other than mid-table.”

DCB Ltd, University of Exeter Sports Hall, Stocker Road, Exeter, Devon EX4 4QN Company Registration Number: 7024773