Tamar A division
Calstock v Tavistock
IF Tavistock entertaining free-scoring league leaders Calstock (349 runs last week) was not daunting enough, entertaining them with a scratch side and only three front-end batsmen was bordering on the insane.
Not withstanding this the opening attack of Bellamy and Folley (2-31) did a superb job for 20 overs restricting Calstock to 70 runs and removing their two opening batsmen Bouquet (37) and Polmeroy in the process.
Such is the strength of the Calstock batting it was a tall order for the Tavistock second string bowling to keep up the same momentum. In his first spell of bowling for four years Gibbs (1-48) was drafted into the attack and did a remarkable job alongside young Ben Crowl (2-39) in trying to keep a lid on the ensuing Calstock onslaught.
In form Lambert, fresh from last weeks 188, looked sharp for Calstock posting another half century before being run out by some slick fielding from Lee. A solid 58 from Stones and a robust 22 from Porritt ensured that Calstock posted a more than useful 239-7 at tea. Tavistock never gave up and stuck to their task right to the end, with some nice catches from Bellamy, Dhanjal, Folley and Gibbs.
Tavistock in reply soon lost opener Piper and although Dhanjal and Gibbs batted with patience they were unable to make any headway against the tight bowling of Rundle and Mowbray. Change bowlers Lambert and Porritt continued the good tight work and it was soon apparent that Tavistock were not going to get anywhere near the target as wickets started to fall at regular intervals.
Hewitt bowled a superb spell of eight overs taking four wickets and with the assistance of Rundle (3-15) soon rattled through the Tavistock tail. The only consolation to Tavistock is they managed to hold out until the 35th over before being bowled out for a mere 80. This win sees Calstock closing in on the league title, needing only 23 or so points from their last three games to clinch it formally.
n On Saturday Tavistock entertain Werrington at Kelly College 2pm start.