SINCE mid-May Belstone have won eleven matches and lost only one when batting second, whereas they have lost three out of three when batting first. This preference for chasing runs was demonstrated in all three games, beginning on July12 when they ran out ten-wicket winners against Spreyton in their latest 20 over Buckley Cup evening game. Put in to bat, Spreyton were well placed to accelerate at 53 for three at the halfway stage following good contributions from Bartlett (19) and Evans (19). But they were pegged back by a fine spell from Andy Paterson, whose three cheap wickets took his tally for the season to 29. All the bowlers got among the wickets as Spreyton ended on 89 for nine. This total was knocked off in three quarters of an hour by Richard Drake, Pete Gross and skipper Wayne Pearce. After many years of close finishes this season?s President?s Day last Saturday proved an unexpectedly one-sided affair. Belstone skipper Pearce, who dislocated a thumb the night before, made his most important contribution of the day by winning the toss and putting the President?s XI into bat on a wicket which became easier as the match progressed. Jonathan Parsons made the breakthrough in his second over when Kris Harris was spectacularly caught over his shoulder at mid-off by Harry Bushin followed the very next ball by Lee Easton spooning a catch to Johnny Coburn at mid-on. Ian Radnor (15) and Daryl Chapman staged a recovery as the President?s reached 46 for 3 after 13 overs before Paterson nipped one through Chapman?s attacking drive to dismiss him for 22. Parsons ended his eight-over spell with a fourth wicket as Phil Dennis dragged a wide ball onto his stumps. Further mishap followed when Cleave Collins guided a wide full pitch from Scott Tremain straight to Coburn in the covers to reduce the President?s to 55 for 7. The pace of Aidan Easterbrook (2-3) ensured there was no respite as he ripped through the tail to leave the President?s all out for 61, having lost their last 7 wickets for 15 runs in 40 minutes. After players and spectators had enjoyed lunch, courtesy of the president and his wife, Peter and Angela Hammond, Belstone began their innings with Richard Drake throwing caution to the winds. In a blink-and-you-miss-it onslaught he hit four 4s and two 6s, making 47 not out as Belstone swept to a nine wicket victory in just 24 minutes and six overs. Belstone man of the match: Jonathan Parsons. The following day Belstone continued their good run in the South Devon League with a fifth victory in seven games, this time against Exeter. Parsons maintained his rich vein of form as Belstone?s strike bowler, taking the first three Exeter wickets in 14 balls midway through a nine over spell which conceded only 20 runs, bringing his haul for the season to 24 wickets. Wilson (28) and Simon Yeo then put on 93 for the fourth wicket as the innings accelerated effectively. Yeo eventually reached a well deserved 100, scored at a run-a-minute with 12 4s and a 5, as 115 runs came off the second 20 overs. Belstone openers Gross and Drake made their second successive league half-century opening stand, putting on 88 in 56 minutes before Gross was caught behind for 28. Drake went on to reach 54 (bringing his season?s aggregate to 471 at an average of 36.2) before he was out leg before to Johnston in the 24th over, leaving the home side to score 74 at five an over for victory. Coburn and Pearce maintained the momentum until the latter was caught on the boundary by Hough for 20, leaving Coburn to complete an elegant undefeated half-century, sealing a seven-wicket victory with a six with three overs to spare. Belstone man of the match: Jonathan Parsons.
