Bohemian Broughton smashes his way to 92 in winning draw

Devon D division

Yelverton Bohemians firsts v Ipplepen

THE Yelverton Bohemians were again held up by a slowing pitch as they piled the pressure on visitors Ipplepen, fielding their overseas player J Watkins.

Skipper Jez Stokes lost the toss and was invited to bat in overcast conditions. In a re-run of many matches this season, the Bohemians set a challenging target of 197-6, pacing the innings well against a useful attack. 

Colin Broughton dominated once again, smashing an impressive 92, well supported by Ian Loze (53) and Tim Berry (28). Watkins (13-4-37-4) took three wickets in the last two overs of the innings as the Bohemians chased the 5th batting point.

The Ipplepen reply was steady and at 70-2 off 20 the visitors remained in contention, with D Harris (28) and S Bowden (21) contributing. The Bohemians attack bowled with its usual threat, vigour and guile, but without that bit of luck. Geoff Brain produced the performance of the afternoon with 10-4-31-4 and with it swung the match in Yelverton's favour. M Quartley tried hard to keep his team interested with a smash and grab 25, but the reliable Cunningham removed him in the first over of his second spell, Stokes taking a steepling catch at long off. The tail hung on until the end of the innings, finishing on 170 for 8.

There was a touch of Groundhog Day about this thoroughly professional Yelverton performance which yielded just a winning draw (14 points) rather than a deserved win. This is a team determined to keep working hard, to keep improving and pushing for promotion. .