Devon Cricket Board - C Division - Hill stars as Alphas take South Devon's record

ALPHINGTON skipper Stuart Shaw believes talk of a promotion push by his side is probably ‘fanciful’ despite their win over leaders South Devon.
The Alphas are back at the Chronicles this Saturday for a date with Dartington, fresh from a four-run win over previously unbeaten South Devon.
It was a result which made the rest of the division sit up and take notice as South Devon captain Ali Wright had said more than once he wanted to go up undefeated.
Ipplepen were delighted by the result as it meant they went top by virtue of a win over Clyst Hydon.
Shaw said it was a cracking result in a great game of cricket, but the 45-point gap between is side and South Devon in second would take some bridging.
“I have said all along when we get out best side out we are capable of beating anyone in this division – and we had it out against South Devon,” said Shaw.
“I still think South Devon are the strongest side in the division and have the best bowling attack by far.
“We still have Ipplepen to play and with everyone in we can give them a good game.
“It is probably a bit fanciful to think we can go up this season, but if we keep winning you never know?
“We will carry on playing the way we are and if we don’t go up this season will have a good go next year.”
Jon Hill was the man of the moment for Alphington with a top score of 55 in a total of 165 all out.
The former Yorkshire Schools and U18 batsman dealt with South Devon’s quick men, including former Devon captain Neil Hancock (3-26).
‘Jon hit Hanks for a couple of boundaries, which only made him bowl a lot quicker,” said Shaw.
Paul James chipped in with 27.
Spinner James Hart had three for 11 as South Devon mopped up the stragglers.
With Dave Knowles (26) and Neil Hancock (26) leading the way, South Devon were 89 for two in reply and seemingly cruising.
Losing four wickets for 22 runs left them 111 for six. Despite a lower-order fight back they were all out for 161.
Shaw (3-17) led the wicket-taking effort, aided an abetted by Andy Wilson (2-29), James (2-21) and Lee Rowe (2-20).
CLYST Hydon came a cropper against new leaders Ipplepen, who defeated them by eight wickets in a rain-ruined game.
Hydon never fully recovered from losing their first two wickets for three runs and laboured to 115 all out in 30 overs.
Dhanuda Haturusingha top scored on 29 with Kev Sercombe’s 17 the next best.
There were three wickets each for Kiwi Caleb Gaylard, Paul Thomas and Matt Nicholls.
A rain break meant Pens needed 107 to win in 42 overs – and they lost Adam Peters in the first over and Steve Harris soon after to Haturusingha (2-21).
Nicholls (41no) and Joe Abbott (50no) ensured there were no more slip-ups.
Clyst are at home to Shaldon Optimists this Saturday.
Ipplepen crept ahead of South Devon by four points with Ottery to play this Saturday.
Skipper Keith Wakeham said it was nice to be top, but he wasn’t concerned about winning the title.
“Our aim is to get out of this division this season, either as champions or runners-up,” said Wakeham.
“I am not bothered how far ahead of South Devon we are, just how far ahead we are of whoever happens to be in third as that’s the team we want to finish ahead of.”
OTTERY St Mary were on course for victory at Kingsbridg e when rain stopped play and handed them a win on run rate.
Jack Pritchard top scored for Ottery with 85 in a total of 283 for seven, which was always going to be a challenge fort the bottom-of-the-table side. Rob Crabb weighed- in with 71.
There were four wickets for Kings’ spinner Bhaun deSilva.
Kingsbridge were 116 for five when rain stopped play with Will Matthewman unbeaten in 37. A Brown had 31.
Will Harrison (3-32) had the best bowling figures for Ottery, who are at home to leaders Ipplepen this Saturday.
CHAGFORD will be looking for back-to-back wins this Saturday when they entertain Kingsbridge.
Last time out the Moorlanders beat bottom side Plymouth Civil Service by 48 runs to complete a miserable week for the city side.
Civil were hit by a 30-point deduction by the league for fielding an unregistered player against Clyst Hydon.
The penalty was stiff as Civil knew he wasn’t registered but played him anyway.
Chagford were all out for 165 with nine balls to go – Jon Wright (36) getting late runs after Charles Fitzoy (33) and Paul Penberthy (26) had put in 69 for the third wicket.
Civil lost a wicket first ball and slumped to 76 for six then on to 117 all out.
There were three wickets for veteran Steve Sizmur (3-23) and two each for Fitzroy and Will Lammonby.
DARTINGTON remain tucked in behind the leaders in third spot following a 34-run win over Shaldon Optimists.
In a low-scoring affair at the Hazeldown Oval, Darts were dismissed for 125.
James Howrihane top scored with 34 while James Marwick (27) and Harold Stevenson (20) chipped in.
Skipper Ryan Stevenson then took five for 25 as Shaldon were bowled out for 91.
Darts go to Alphington this Saturday. Shaldon are away to Clyst Hydon.