WHAT a season! After an uncertain start in May with the club plagued by bad luck, foul weather and injuries, the recovery began in June and culminated on Saturday in a victory that brought the Devon County Division B Championship to the Ring.

Promotion to the A Division had already been secured. Saturday's emphatic seven-wicket trouncing of Bradninch was the icing on the cake.

The ease with which this victory was achieved suggested that Tavistock will by no means be out of their depth next season in more exalted company.

Bradninch were limited to a total of 119, with Tshepo Legodi, Adam Bridgewater, Simon Crawford, John Jackson and Andy Gauler bowling economical spells and sharing the wickets.

Tavistock openers Dave Watson and Ian Law then proceeded almost to do the job on their own, scoring 54 and 47 respectively.

In the event, it was left to Dave Manning to strike the boundary that saw the home side reach their target with 7 wickets and 21 overs to spare.

And so, with champagne corks popping and skipper Steve Luffman looking mysteriously wet, to the well-deserved celebrations.

The second eleven's successful league season came to an end on Saturday with a visit to Abbotskerswell. Batting first, the visitors made a sound start, with reliable opener Geoff Crudgington scoring a half-century.

A feature of the later stages of the innings was a fine partnership of 59 for the sixth wicket. This began when Bobby Luscombe, on 19, was joined by Andrew Alford, with 8 overs to go.

In the next 7 overs, Bobby raced to 61, supported by Andrew's enthusiasm and helped by some splendid running between the wickets.

A final total of 190 for 6 found the home team wanting, and at stumps they were still 70 adrift with 6 wickets down.

The Tavistock bowling was again tight, with the Crocker-Munday combination sending down 21 overs for 34 runs.

The last day of the league campaign does not herald the end of the season at the Ring.

This week provides the enticing prospect of three afternoon games, all with 1.30pm starts.

On Sunday Werrington are the visitors, on Wednesday Easton will be entertained and on Thursday tourists St Zoetropians will dazzle everyone with both their cricket and their name.

As far as Tavistock Cricket Club is concerned, there remain another two weeks to drink the last of the summer wine.