PITCHES provide the keys to cricket matches. After a month in which wet, soggy wickets thwarted the efforts of pace bowlers and stroke players alike, the weather finally turned in readiness for Tavistock's weekend games.

The result was drier and quicker wickets, and, inevitably, more runs.

The two Tavistock teams celebrated the appearance of the sun by chalking up, between them over 500 runs for the loss of 7 wickets.

At the Ring the highlight of the second eleven's innings was a fine 116 not out by skipper Geoff Crudgington.

Scoring fluently, with shots all round the wicket, he shared in two century stands, one with opener Paul Tomkies, who scored 65, and one with Dave Jeffery, who recorded 53.

The innings closed on 277 for 4, setting visitors Hatherleigh a formidable target. They decided not to go for it, and the Tavistock bowlers were allowed to bowl 20 maidens in their 46 over allocation.

Top-scoring for the visitors was schoolboy G Bryant, who batted through 35 overs for his 20 not out.

Hatherleigh closed on 96 for 7, collecting points for a draw. It may be that such an outcome gives ammunition to those who favour a review of the league's points system.

While the second eleven were entertaining Hatherleigh, the first teams of the two clubs were meeting at Hatherleigh.

Tavistock found place for their newest recruit, Derriford doctor and left-arm spinner Krishnan Subramanian.

He took one of the wickets to fall in a Hatherleigh total of 232 for 7, the others being shared by Adam Bridgewater, Andy Tremellen, John Jackson and Andy Gauler.

The backbone of the Tavistock reply was a second wicket stand of 140 between Simon Crawford and captain Steve Luffman. Steve emulated his second team counterpart Geoff Crudgington by top-scoring with 71.

It was certainly a case of two captains' knocks.

David Manning and John McGahey saw the visitors home with five balls to spare, and Tavistock came home with a welcome 18 points that saw them shoot up the table.

It certainly seems that the corner has been turned.

Supporters will be able to gauge the extent of the revival of fortunes on Saturday,when the first eleven host Exeter St James in a match sponsored by the Castle Inn, Lydford.

On Sunday, Cornwood visit the Ring for a friendly fixture sponsored by Eko Brae Guest house.

This comes at the end of a busy weekend in which, on Friday evening, Tavistock play at home in the next round of the Lancaster Cup.

Looking a little further ahead, followers of that unique band of cavalier cricketers known as the Midweek Eleven will want to know that on Thursday June 29 the Old Coaching House at Ottery will be sponsoring the match featuring the welcome visit of tourists Palmers Cricket Club.