South Devon Senior League A division

Tavistock 1st XI v South Devon 1st XI

TAVISTOCK received a rude awakening in their first home match in the A division this season. In losing the toss Tavistock were asked to field and made early inroads.

Tshepo Legodi had Xavier Page-Dove caught at slip, only for him to be recalled by the catcher, Ian Law, and skipper Steve Luffman who both felt it had been a half volley. However, shortly afterwards Page-Dove was removed by Legodi with a sharp catch to stand-in wicket keeper Steve Luffman.

Andy Gauler then caught and bowled Dave Oliver and South Devon were 21 for 2. Stands of 32 and 52 took the visitors to 105 for 4 before Gauler struck again, this time bowling Mike Smith.

When Legodi returned to dismiss skipper Phil Blackmore for a patient 34 the tail was exposed and Dave Jeffrey made short work of them in gaining figures of 3-21 from six overs.

South Devon were all out to the last ball of the innings for 153.

At the interval Tavistock looked handily placed, but shortly afterwards the prospects looked grim. The wicket had been drying fast in the sunshine and after tea began to misbehave.

The South Devon bowlers took good advantage, bowling very straight and backed it up with some aggressive field placing and precise catching.

From 15 for 2 Tavistock slipped to 37 for 5 and finally 80 all out.

John McGahey made 17 at number three and Legodi a patient 21 before skying Aussie paceman James McMahon to Blackmore.

At the death Andy Tremellen nursed the tail through to a single batting point while scoring 10.

The man of the match had to be McMahon who scored 28 then took 5 for 32 with his lively seamers. Mike Smith and Dave Amery backed him up well with two wickets apiece.

Tavistock expressed thanks to Kelly College for the use of the ground following the foot and mouth problems at the Ring, although their batting must improve if they are to do justice to the magnificent setting.

l Revised fixtures — 1st XI, Saturday, North Devon away.

Saturday June 2, Seaton at Kelly College.

Saturday June 9, Budleigh Salterton away.

2nd XI: Saturday, Ipplepen at Kelly College.

Saturday June 2 Hatherleigh away — to be confirmed.