Devon D division

Lewdown first XI  v  Babbacombe

AFTER a lot of wet weather and mopping up from the ground staff this 'must win' game for Lewdown against Babbacombe went ahead with the game reduced to 42 overs per side.

The toss was an important one to win and again Lewdown got the choice and asked Babbacombe to bat first on the wet and rather soft wicket.

Lewdown's bowlers soon got into their stride and after half of the 42 overs Babbacombe had laboured to 56-3, with the wicket drying and playing far better than expected the Babbacombe middle order, aided by some unusually loose bowling, countered and put the bad ball away regularly.

The visitors finished with the very respectable total of 173-8. Charlie Hughes with 2-26, and Mevan Porage, 2-25, being the pick of the bowlers.

The Lewdown reply got off to a great start with Kris Harris (24 )and Mevan Porage (29) putting on 71 for the first wicket after 15 overs, the game changed with the introduction of former Devon player Terry Farkins whose big in swingers ripped out the middle order while Harry Geering watched at the other end, Lewdown were reduced to 112-6.

The 174 target now seemed a very big total but with Farkins (5-29) finishing his spell and number eight Phil Yeo rediscovering his batting form Lewdown sneaked home with eight balls to go Geering — who hit 35 and probably his most important knock of the season — being the only other man out and Yeo a fine run a ball 39 not out.

Lewdown won by three wickets and picking 19 points to remain second in the league.

• The next two fixtures for Lewdown are league leaders Thorverton (away) and home to third placed Hatherleigh with positive results vital in their push for promotion.