North Devon League Division 4

Belstone v North Molton

LAST season Belstone emerged as home and away victors in two closely fought games against North Molton, with both teams securing promotion to Division Four.

The teams came into their first encounter of this season last Sunday at Rew Meadow with North Molton unbeaten after two games and Belstone the losers against Braunton.

The omens were not good for the home side when expected skipper Scott Tremain pulled out through illness and opening bowler Jonathan Parsons had to retire injured after just three balls of the innings.

However, new captain Harry Bushin made a good decision to send North Molton in, for they struggled from the outset against his bowling (9-1-25-1) and that of left-armer David Binns (8.3-3-18-3) who found some bounce and a fine line on or just outside off-stump.

Two mis-timed pushes into the hands of cover fielder Trevor Oats accounted for the openers before Guy Loosemore and Chris Turner took the score to a North Molton high-point of 51 for four.

Loosemore then dragged one on from Binns for 13 and Turner smashed a full toss back to Pete Harlow (3-1-6-2).

The innings then fell apart dramatically as Jimmy Ewen shot through the tail, taking the last four wickets in 12 balls without conceding a run to leave the visitors all out for 53 after a mere 90 minutes play and 23.2 overs gone of the allotted 45.

Belstone made light work of the chase thanks to Richard Drake who after being badly dropped in the covers rattled up 41 of the runs in 32 minutes to take them to a nine wicket win from just 11.5 overs and send everyone home by tea.

l This Saturday morning (May 29) there is a car boot sale on the Belstone ground, details from 01837 840498.