Tamar League A division Ordulph v St Stephens ORDULPH?s finest performance of the season was required in a top of the table clash with St Stephens at Kelly College and they didn?t disappoint. With overhead conditions affecting the wicket this was a vital toss to win but Ordulph captain Phil Mansfield lost the advantage. This meant Ordulph faced a fierce opening spell from Jack Sleep (4-29), who was both swinging and seaming the ball. In no time they were reduced to 20-3 and St Stephens were on top. However they did not realise an Australian whirlwind in the form of Nathan Whitfield was about to assault their bowling attack. One hour and ten overs later Ordulph had reached 119-3. Whitfield clubbed the ball around the park with the St Stephens bowlers scratching their heads wondering what to do to abate the dramatic run flow. Whitfield fell eventually to a cracking catch by Court to the bowling of Gregg Sleep but not before an incredible 99 partnership had been forged with captain Mansfield (23) in the space of 10 overs. At this point Ordulph had a further wobble only for Josh Sutton to find his form scoring a rapid 56no to take the Ordulph score to a very respectable 233-9. Following a stirring team talk from skipper Mansfield, Ordulph set about completing the task only to find a powerful and aggressive reply from the early St Stephens batting threatening to take the game away from them. Greg Sleep for the visitors hit a rapid 41, with Simon Watson contributing 20. However the Ordulph bowling attack kept their nerve with Matt Mills (2-38) and Pete Cooper (2 for 32) taking care of the St Stephens danger men with Johnny Lethbridge (4-16) ably polishing off the tail. In the field wicketkeeper Eddie Wood took two catches and a stumping, whilst Will Westlake took a blistering catch at first slip and Rob Poppe kept his nerve to take a fine catch on the boundary to dismiss Gregg Sleep. It was the overall team effort in the field which enabled this fine victory and enabled Ordulph to press hard on the heels of Buckland at the top of the league. Ordulph Taverners CC 1st XI won by 101 runs l Next week Ordulph travel the short distance to play Tavistock third team..
