BELSTONE travelled to Budleigh Salterton for a friendly on Sunday with the home team winning by 99 runs. Belstone won the toss and elected to field first. The Budleigh Salterton batsmen made things tough for the visitors with Allen (14) and Thelo (20) scoring freely until both were dismissed by Harry Bushin (6-0-45-2). Andy Proctor (56) ensured the home team would reach a good score with his aggressive innings in the middle-order. Andrew Paterson (7-0-28-1) bowled well for Belstone and it was left to Chris Gomersall (5-0-17-2) and Terry Jeal (4.3-0-13-4) to clean up the tail as Budleigh Salterton finished on 195. Belstone made a steady start in their reply to the home team?s total with Pete Gross (19) and Richard Drake (21) playing well against some accurate bowling. Both players were out bowled as the wicket started to keep low. The introduction of Thelo (7-5-2-3) into the attack increased the pressure on the visitors with only Phil Woods (16) of the remaining batsmen looking comfortable against him. After Thelo took three wickets in his sixth over the home team were firmly in control of the match. Belstone were finally bowled out for 99 but should be pleased with their efforts against a very strong Budleigh Salterton team. Next Sunday, Belstone are at home to Torquay in the first South Devon league game of the season. The match starts at 2:30 pm - visitors most welcome.
