LAST year all three games of the Metropolitan Police Mounted Branch's annual tour were rained off, but last Tuesday their game against Belstone finished just before the arrival of the thunder and lightning that had been threatening since tea.
Belstone played several Colts who all played well with bat and ball. Philip Woods' straight driven four was the stroke of the match. The Met's innings was dominated by Hiscox, who hit 14 fours in a fine knock of 80, before being brilliantly caught in the slips by Andy Carter.
Youngsters Rob Sandercock, Aiden Easterbrook and Johnny Carter all chipped in with wickets as the Met were kept in check at 168 for 9 at tea.
None of the Belstone batsmen managed to stay for a long innings and at 120 for 9 with 8 overs remaining a win for the Police seemed certain. A stubborn last-wicket partnership between Easterbrook and Tim Pitts-Tucker kept the men in blue at bay until Marsh sneaked the last ball of the game past Easterbrook's defence to give the Police a deserved win by 26 runs.
On Sunday, Belstone maintained their good run in the South Devon League division 2 by completing the double over Roborough with a convincing 8-wicket home victory.
The initial breakthrough for Belstone came in a hostile opening spell from Harry Bushin (2-26), and although Roborough reached 65 for 3, they subsided to 85 all out as a potent mixture of Terry Jeal's spin (4-9) and Trevor Munkenbeck's pace (3-7) ran through the batting.
The result was never in doubt once Eddy Jones (40) and Alan Purdom (22 not out) had taken Belstone to 66 for 1, and the 8-wicket win was wrapped up in the 34th over.
This Saturday, July 14, Belstone play the President's XI. Play begins at 2.30pm and spectators are welcome at what is traditionally a hard fought but entertaining afternoon's cricket. In a busy week Belstone entertain Ashton on July 15, and play two evening games in the Buckley Cup, away at Yeoford on July 12 and at home against Spreyton on July 17.
l Car boot enthusiasts may like to note that there will be a car boot sale on the Belstone ground on Saturday July 28 beginning at 10am.
r More cricket reports and scores — facing page.