Devon C

Lewdown firsts  v  Clyst Hydon firsts

LEWDOWN first XI reached the season's half way point in style and unbeaten after a convincing victory over second placed Clyst Hydon — extending their lead at the top to 39 points.

On a glorious day at the Recreation Field Clyst decided to bat first. The opening pair found scoring difficult against the accuracy of Kris Harris and the pace of Rob Mutch, reaching just 52 runs after 20 overs. With the score on 78 a good pick up and throw from Mutch ran out opener Sutton for 39. Lewdown skipper Charlie Hughes followed up this breakthrough bowling the number three. Wickets fell at regular intervals with Hughes, aided by some good catching, finishing with figures of 5-43 while Mutch 2-17 off 13 overs was a constant threat. Dave Ball and Peter Cooper also took a wicket each.

Clyst Hydon finishing all out for 146. The only poor point for Lewdown, and Clysts top scorer of 44, was extras with a disappointing 30 wides.

Lewdown's innings started poorly with last week's centurian, Harry Geering, being out lbw first ball. Kris Harris and Jack Skuse (25), put on 34 for the second wicket before both falling in the same over to the lively Haturusingha. At 42-3 Clyst were well in the game with two new batsmen Dave Ball and Mark Jordan at the crease, both these players showed great concentration and composure putting on 91 for the fourth wicket. Mark Jordan hit a superb 50 and with just 15 runs required it was left to Ball and Mutch to finish the job — Mutch scoring the winning runs with a massive six and Ball falling just short of his half century on 42no. This was a great team performance by Lewdown. This week Lewdown are away to Seaton.