A POOR display from Tavistock (10pts) saw them avoid defeat by the narrowest of margins away to promotion rivals Plymstock (14pts).
Tavistock won the toss and elected to bowl first on a wicket that promised to be slow and low after a lot of rain. They started poorly with some wayward bowling and Plymstock got off to a flyer at a rate of eight runs per over from the first six overs. The introduction of Cleave saw the run rate pulled back to a degree, with the batsmen struggling to get the ball away. However, a certain amount of fortuitous hitting coupled with some lamentable fielding released what little pressure that had been exerted and Plymstock began to make steady progress, reaching 107-4. Baker finished his spell 10-3-26-1. Cleave toiled away and spin was also introduced at the other end in the form of Daymond.
These two accounted for seven of the Plymstock wickets Cleave 4-28 and Daymond 3-31 but a total of 193 all out on this wicket looked a reasonable score.
The wicket got slower and lower as Tavistock began their reply. They lost Gray and J Luffman relatively early before Kaitiff and Manning steadied proceedings. They looked to be reasonably well in control before Kaitiff's attempt at a lofted on drive resulted in him returning to the pavillion for 41.
Manning followed shortly afterwards having been well caught at slip.
Tavistock still intended to win this one at 116-6 but when S Luffman was out with the score on 145-7 which rapidly became 147-9 with four overs to go they were staring defeat squarely in the face.
However, Gauler playing a captain's innings and Baker held firm and a draw was the result.
Generally Tavistock had not bowled, batted or fielded at all well. If they are not careful it will be B Division cricket again next year.