Devon B division

Tavistock firsts v Bideford

SKIPPER Andy Gauler took the unusual step of winning the toss for only the second time this season and asked Bideford to bat first.

The wicket looked to be hard and the outfield was very quick. Bideford got off to a good start inspite of some hostile bowling from Hendricks who passed the bat on a number of occasions.

Hutchins made the initial breakthrough with a good stumping by Manning. 55-1 rapidly became 65-3 as Hendricks fired in two leg stump yorkers to dismiss Barratt and Hockin for ducks. Astute readers will realise that Barratt had participated in an opening partnership of 50 and contributed merely his presence at the crease.

From this point on wickets fell at regular intervals. All of the bowlers bowled well and all were rewarded with wickets and the fielding was a notch better than the previous week.

A total of 138 all out was however probably 100 runs too few on this wicket.

Tavistock innings started reasonably solidly before Stephens was unlucky to play on. The score ticked along punctuated by the odd wicket but the result never looked in doubt. Another responsible innings from Luffman steered things home for Tavistock with a lot of overs to spare, Luffman unable to resist the urge to show he can still give the ball a good whallop finishing with a six.

Nineteen points from this one and a significant gap is now opening up between Tavistock and the rest. Tavistock continue to be unbeaten with this four wicket win.

Devon seconds B

Bideford v Tavistock seconds

BIDEFORD had slumped to 134 for 5. Sean Daymond carried on his impressive spell ended up with figures of nine overs for 34. When captain Weeks was caught behind Bideford were 175 all out.

Opener John Gosling took a leaf out of the Bideford books smashing anything loose and giving Tavistock a flying start. It did not help Bideford dropping him twice but it was third time lucky when he was caught behind for 47.

Jayarajah was yorked second ball. Captain McGahey and Chappel repaired the damage until McGahey was bowled by a ripper from Weeks which pitched middle and took his off stump.

Cloud had appeared and the damp in the air on a green wicket was making the ball nip around. Then in light rain Chappel was bowled for 33. There was still work to be done but no need to fear as a cool man of the match Sean Daymond and James McGahey saw Tavistock home to a 20 point win and move up to the top of the Table.

l Next week Tavistock seconds take on Yelverton At Home, 2pm start.