WEST Devon Cricket Club celebrated their inaugural game in the Tavistock Business League with a tense victory played on a typically glorious Tavistock evening at the Ring, against reigning champions Phoenix.

Debutant Dave Chapman scored an impressive quickfire 16 not out and was supported by a successful opening partnership between Will Walker-Smith (14) and former captain Steve Pearce (14) helping West Devon to a score of 89 for 5 on a lifeless pitch.

Leg spinner Andy Jarman was the pick of the Phoenix bowlers with a determined 2 for 14 from his 4 overs.

Will Branfield and James Lawson took excellent catches off their own bowling while Phoenix set about their task with two of their top order batsman (Gaylor and Statton) retiring under the 25 and retire rule.

The game was temporarily suspended following and injury to substitute fielder Leighton Branfield, who in a valiant attempt to take a catch from his son?s bowling, took the ball on the cheekbone.

As the evening drew in the condition of the ball was to be a telling factor and Phoenix struggled to score at the earlier rate with tight bowling from Roger Norrish (1 for 5), Kevin Osborne (1 for 8) and Jeff Lawson (1 for 4).

Phoenix managed a score of 71 for 5.