BEFORE the season started, Tavistock Cricket Club captain Steve Luffman predicted this would be promotion year for the club — two-thirds of the way through the season, supporters are beginning to believe that he was right.

The early-season disappointments, the rain and the loss of both form and luck, are now in the past, and this week Tavistock occupies one of the two promotion places in the B Division of the Devon League.

The latest victory came from a visit to Clyst St George. On an unpredictable pitch, Tavistock made 193 for 7.

Opener Ian Law's half century established a platform and David Manning contributed a typically belligerent 46.

Andy Gauler and John Jackson steadied things after a mid-order collapse, and steered the visitors to a reasonable total.

Clyst St George's reply got off to a stuttering start, and they lost four quick wickets before recovering to 120 for 4.

At that point they seemed to be in control, but Steve Bray then took 4 wickets and the innings subsided to an all-out total of 148, giving the visitors a 45 runs victory.

Bray's 4 wickets in 13 overs cost only 30 runs. The other wickets were shared by Tshepo Legodi, Andy Gauler and Andy Tremellen.

Morale is now high in the Tavistock camp, a feature well reflected in the side's excellent performance in the field. It's looking as if skipper Luffman is not only a fine player but a useful prophet.

The second eleven can rarely have had a more effective opening partnership than the one that has served them for much of this season.

On Saturday, against Clyst St George Seconds at the Ring, Clive Johns, with 80, and Geoff Crudgington, with 113, launched the Tavistock innings with an opening stand of 182.

A target of 260 was always beyond the reach of the visitors. At 144 for 5 it appeared that Tavistock might gain the victory, but in spite of using seven bowlers the home side were unable to winkle out the sixth-wicket pair, and the match was left drawn.

Forthcoming attractions at the Ring include the first eleven's clash with Plymstock on Saturday in a game sponsored by Fairway Furniture.

On Tuesday evening, with a 6pm start, the visitors are Vivid Vagabonds. On Wednesday afternoon, the game against Jaguar Cars is sponsored by the Ordulph Arms. On Thursday afternoon the guests are the Islington Police.

The achievement of reaching the semi-final of the County Cup has created excitement and anticipation in the club, particularly since the news that the next tie will be at home. The date is Sunday August 13 and the opponents will be Sidmouth, a side currently in the top half of the Premiership Division. Can we hope for another giant-killing act and a cup final? The way things are going at the Ring at present, anything is possible.