BELSTONE emerged as 28-run victors in a hard-fought top of the table Buckley Cup clash at Spreyton on July 8.

Batting first, they were again indebted to a fiery burst of stroke-play from opener Eddie Jones (32 not out) to get them off to a good start. Excellent Spreyton fielding, including four run outs - two to direct hits on the stumps from deep field throws - slowed the middle order before some well-timed straight driving by Phil Woods (21) restored the Belstone score to a respectable 20 over total of 109 for nine.

Charles Montgomerie, with three wickets for 13 runs, was the pick of the Spreyton attack. Spreyton fell behind the required run-rate from the start, thanks to a third direct hit run out from the deep and the accurate pace attack of Jones, Jonathan Parsons and Aidan Easterbrook, who picked up a combined four wickets while only conceding 30 runs from their 12 overs.

Nevertheless, with big sixes from Filor (12), Niven (20) and Montgomerie (14) it wasn?t until Jones caught Montgomerie one-handed at long-on as the ball headed for another six that Belstone could relax with victory assured.

The most perfect summer?s day graced Rew Meadow last Saturday for Belstone?s annual match against the President?s XI, which this year assumed added importance as the club celebrates its tenth season.

Vice-presidents and guests enjoyed the hospitality provided by president Peter Hammond and were able to revel in a match of fluctuating fortunes which climaxed with the President?s last pair at the wicket needing eight to win.

Earlier, Belstone had found the unaccustomed 11am start to their liking, reaching a high point of 150 for three off 31 overs, thanks to half centuries from Eddie Jones (five fours in his 51) and Wayne Pearce (six fours and two sixes in his 54). Chris Walpole (22) was also going well but at that point ducked head-first into a full toss and found himself at the new Okehampton Hospital needing two stitches.

The President?s XI gained some control, restricting Belstone to another 31 runs in the remaining nine overs of the innings to leave them on 181 for seven, the highest total made at the ground this season.

The first half of the President?s reply was held together by a fine innings from Daryl Chapman, who hit nine fours and a six in his 57. When he was sixth out, playing on to a ball from Brucie Walsh with the score at 109 in the 23rd over, followed two runs later by the fall of the next wicket, the advantage lay with Belstone. Skipper Chris Powell and James Fitzsimmons then took the score to 158 before Fitzsimmons (20) fell leg before to the first ball of Dennis Edwards? spell.

With tension mounting, another 16 runs were added for the next wicket before last man Andrew Coren joined Powell with three overs remaining. After so much earlier big hitting, some carefully placed singles and one more powerful pull to the boundary saw the President?s men to victory with six balls to spare, Powell finishing with 38 not out.

Run-machine Jones was back in the groove next day when Torquay Thirds visited Rew Meadow. He dominated an opening partnership of 68 with Pete Gross (8) and continued until falling caught and bowled to Torquay?s resident Sri Lankan professional Sandjeeva for 82.

Jones has now scored 797 runs in all games this season at an average of 61.3. Belstone?s total was boosted towards the end of their 40 overs by good contributions from Phil Woods (30 no) and skipper Richard Drake (29).

In reply, several Torquay batsmen got going but no-one went on to make the half century or more that was needed to get into a winning position. With only two bowling extras conceded all the Belstone attack played their part with Rob Sandercock returning the best figures of three for 20 as the visitors were all out in the 36th over, still 47 runs short of their target.

This Sunday Belstone are away at Raleigh for a South Devon League fixture, followed the day after by a home game (2.30pm start) against regular tourists Ashtead.

Partnership Publishing South Devon League division 2 (includes results up to July 6):

P W L A Pts

Chudleigh 4 2 1 1 30

Belstone 4 2 1 1 29

Dawlish & T?mouth 4 1 1 2 22

Exeter St James 5 1 3 1 19

Raleigh 3 1 1 1 15

Buckley Cup (includes results up to July 8):

P Pts

Belstone 6 73

Spreyton 4 38

Yeoford 5 36

Sticklepath 5 36

Tedburn St Mary 4 27