BELSTONE began their 40-over South Devon League division two match at home against Dawlish and Teignmouth in the worst possible way last Sunday, losing Dennis Edwards and Chris Walpole for golden ducks to the first two balls of the second over.

A period of careful recovery was masterminded by Eddie Jones, fifth out for 50 runs, when the score was 92 in the 27th over.

Much needed acceleration then came from the elegant stroke play of Philip Woods (25) and clean hitting of Chris Gomersall (34 not out) who added 44 for the seventh wicket in eight overs, and some lusty blows by Aidan Easterbrook - so much so that in the second 20 overs 125 runs were scored, compared with 44 in the first 20 overs.

Needing to score at just over four an over Dawlish and Teignmouth made an equally slow start as openers Houghton (30) and Hammett (32) put on 50 for the first wicket in 19 overs.

Although wickets remained in hand throughout their innings tight bowling - nine maiden overs in total - and sharp fielding meant the necessary acceleration never came, leaving the visitors 39 runs short.

This coming week sees Belstone in action at home on Saturday against tourists Lower Early, away at Exeter St James the following day in the league, and welcoming Sticklepath for a local derby Buckley Cup evening game on Wednesday June 12.