A SUNNY Saturday at the Ring saw another significant step taken towards Tavistock Cricket Club's goal of promotion to the A division of the county league.
The visitors were near-neighbours Plymstock. Skipper Luffman lost the toss for the fourth consecutive time. These days, a decision to field first is almost automatic.
The Tavistock batting was opened by Ian Law and Simon Crawford, with an enterprising half-century stand.
The middle order was not able to capitalise fully on this foundation, Steve Luffman and David Manning departed cheaply, for once, and with the Plymstock bowlers extracting more life from a drying pitch, and their fielding tight and alert, the home side were restricted to a total of 198.
Tshepo Legodi weighed in towards the end with a valuable and spirited 29 before a comedy of errors brought the curtain down with two run-outs. Ian Law carried his bat for 91.
The Plymstock reply, after an early burst, was never on terms with the asking-rate.
Veteran opener Langridge, he of the great cricketing name, held the innings together with a long, patient knock, but for the most part it was a question of survival against some good containing bowling.
Andy Gauler, with 3 for 26 from 13 overs, was the pick of the bowlers — and of the appealers — but Adam Bridgwater's 6 overs for 10 runs was a vital contribution, and Andy Tremellon's 2 wickets brought the first breakthrough.
A final total of 150 for 7 provided Tavistock with a useful points-dividend to offset the frustration of not being able to translate their superiority into a victory.
The seconds travelled to Chudleigh hopeful of continuing their promising league form. They arrived back early and satisfied having won by 6 wickets.
The hosts were bowled out for 79, Stuart Munday bowled 13 overs and took 3 for 18, while Mike Crocker ended with 4 for 9 from 7 overs.
Those experiencing deja vu as they read the last sentence will be feeling that this could have happened at any time over the last 30 years. The side continues to lean heavily on the wicket-taking potential of these two evergreens.
Tavistock reached the winning target for the loss of 4 wickets, Maurice Craze posting a not-out 22.
The next league fixture at the Ring on Saturday afternoon will see the second eleven playing Bideford.
Sunday's game, against an Old Tavistock Eleven, will be sponsored by Atlas International.
On Monday and Wednesday the club will welcome tourists Sheffield Cricket Lovers and Whitstable. Sponsoring these two games are respectively A T Print and Tavistock Picture Framing Company.
Members, supporters and all cricket lovers in the area are reminded that on Sunday August 13 the Ring will be the venue for a semi-final of the Devon County Cup, in which the home club will play Sidmouth.