Devon Cricket Board - Bovey skip pinpoints batting shortfall as problem

Bovey skip pinpoints batting shortfall as problem

PLYMOUTH are up to second in the Premier Division after beating Bovey Tracey by three wickets.
The City side were looking for a comeback win after losing to Sidmouth seven days earlier and a century opening stand between Ben Stein and acting captain James Toms pointed them in the right direction.
There was a brief hiatus with victory in sight when three wickers fell for four runs added, but Toms said that shouldn’t detract from a solid performance all round.
“Our bowlers put it in the right areas from the start and Bovey did well to get 213 for eight after we had them 91 for six,” said Toms.
“A couple of them stuck around and showed the depth Bovey have in their batting.
“Myself and Ben Stein got the first 100 out of the way which helped us a lot.
“I was pleased Ben finally turned those 40s he has been getting into a 50. It was his first, but won’t be his last.
“We lost a couple of wickets at the end, but that was in the rush to get the two extra bonus points and we were up against the overs limit and took a few risks.”
Bovey were given a thorough duffing up early on by Dave Burke and Sam Stein with Rob Bennett chipping in.
Plenty of batters got in, got a few and got out with Peter Bradley (23) and Andy Fairbairn (24) among them.
After Chris Bradley was sixth out at 91, a sand of 49 between Nathan Roberts (32) and Lewis Hammett gave Bovey some impetus.
Hammett batted on to reach 47 off 71 balls and his stand of 73 with Sam Hickenbottom (31no) gave Plymouth a target to chase.
Stein was first out for 53 off 50 balls as Plymouth went in pursuit. Two balls later Toms was snared lbw by Matt Golding.
Gianne Koopman and Hamish Gardner (48) whittled another 29 off. Then, after Jake Luffman came and went for a boundary, Gardner and Harry Stephenson (23) killed the game off with a stand of 59
Rob Bennett applied the last rites with a brisk 11 not out at the end.
Bovey captain Andy Fairbairn said runs aren’t coming from the right places and that needs to change.
“We were just a little short in all departments,” said Fairbairn.
“It was a good game that ebbed and flowed but in the end Plymouth held their nerve and deserved their win.
“I felt there were a few big decisions that didn't go our way, but these things even themselves out over the course of a season.
“We need our top six to start putting in some match-winning performances if we are to finish in the top three this season.
“There haven't been enough significant contributions so far and that is why we are where we are in the league.”

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