Devon C

Lewdown v Bideford

LEWDOWN elected to bowl first but the early breakthough did not materialise as a couple of good early chances were not taken.

It was the 12th over when the first wicket was taken by Phil Yeo, quickly followed by another in the next Rob Mutch over. Will Barratt joined SA player Mike Young with the score on 37-2. What followed over the next 22 overs has not been seen this season against Lewdown and some good batting by these two young players produced a century partnership and at 140-2. However, the spin from Dave Ball got the double breakthrough by removing both Young and Barratt.

Mark Jordan also picked up a wicket and Bideford were now 147-5. Rob Mutch and Jordan polished off the rest and Bideford were bowled out 169 - the last eight wickets falling for just 29 runs, Mutch 3-34, Jordan 3-36 and Ball 2-12.

The chase however, got off to a poor start when the in-form Harry Geering was run out without facing a ball. Ant Weeks joined Dave Ball and scored 13 before mistiming a drive, Lewdown were 22-2. Ball and Rob Mutch started scoring freely with Mutch in particular hitting some big shots, the pair put on 90 for the third wicket before Ball was bowled.

At 145 -3 Mutch was caught with just 25 runs required and it was left to Carl Weeks and Mark Jordan to finish the job with nine overs to spare.

Another 20 points and their unbeaten record intact puts Lewdown 76 points in front of third placed Hatherleigh and 56 points ahead of second placed Clyst Hydon.