TAVISTOCK'S dismal run of form continued at Budleigh Salterton as they dipped to a 136-run defeat on Saturday.

The wicket threw clouds of dust up from the first ball and the bounce was totally unpredictable.

Lacking their opening bowlers Tavistock failed to take advantage of the friendly conditions by bowling too short.

Budleigh made steady progress until Ian Law struck twice in one over to remove dangerous Bobby Dawson — Dawson chipped a ball, which stopped on the fickle surface and debutant Dave Downham poached the catch. The 16-year-old fielded well all day and appeared to have no nerves on mixing with former professionals Dawson and Peter Roebuck

Budleigh wicketkeeper Newman quickly rattled up 22 before being caught behind by Dave Manning off Simon Crawford.

Meanwhile Heinrich Hatingh was carefully compiling runs at the other end. The South African finished with 51 off 129 balls before being run out in the 42nd over.

In between times Jerry Crocker came and went to a magnificent catch at point by Andy Kaitiff from Andy Gauler's bowling. Gauler was the pick of Tavistock's bowlers and finished with 10 overs, 2 maidens, 29 runs for 2 wickets.

Peter Roebuck joined Hatingh and Crawford and Kaitiff turned to bowling off spin to try and contain the ex-Somerset skipper. Roebuck struck the ball cleanly to make 32 off 39 balls. Greg Evans took up the sword for a quickfire 14 not out from 7 balls, including a four from the last ball to take Budleigh to 200-8 and five batting points.

What a contrast after tea; ex Devon paceman Mark Woodman and Aussie Joel Wright ripped through the Tavistock top order and with runs on the board the ring of close fielders exerted a lot of pressure.

Opener Dave Watson was unlucky to go second ball. Ian Law went next, off the keeper, followed by Dave Manning who edged an exploding delivery to slip. All three had made ducks and the writing was on the wall.

Steve Luffman struck Woodman for 13 in one over before being bowled, followed by Kaitiff, again caught from a rising delivery.

Crawford was bowled by another shooter from Wright and that brought Paul Tomkies, a centurion for the seconds last week, in to join John McGahey. McGahey had driven well to make 15 when Roebuck took the ball. Two balls later he was yorked and Tavistock were 31-7.

Tomkies and Andy Gauler launched a defiant stand, Tomkies taking Woodman and Gauler dealing with Roebuck. Gauler batted 43 balls for 6 runs and employed some effective pad play against Roebuck.

Wright took over from the tiring Woodman and immediately tapped Tomkies lbw. Dawson replaced the exasperated Roebuck and again struck immediately, removing Gauler lbw.

Downham defended stoutly but eventually offered a catch to silly mid off and Tavistock were all out for a miserable 64. Bob Luscombe survived on four not out after battling hard.

Mark Woodman finished with 5-34, Joel Wright had 2-14 and Bobby Dawson 2-2 at the death.

This week's game is at the Ring and sees the return of Axminster who were promoted with Tavistock last year.