PRESIDENT Peter Hammond assembled a fine collection of cricketers for his annual game against Belstone Cricket Club on July 14. Batting first they got off to a flying start with an opening partnership of 79 in just 13 overs, thanks to powerful hitting by Chris Powell, the new principal of Okehampton College, who made 40, and a cultured knock from Sticklepath skipper Richard Boarder (47).

Cleave Collins followed this up with a solid 37, and although the Belstone attack pegged the scoring back thereafter, the President's XI finished on 182 for 6 at tea, Chris Walsh being the pick of the bowlers with 3 for 22.

In reply, Belstone started cautiously, with Dennis Edwards (20) and Mick Cowley (9) putting on 34 for the first wicket in 15 overs. Wickets then fell steadily as all the President's attack chipped in, with Powell cutting through the middle order with 3 for 27. Andy Carter led resistance before being run out for 33, but the last few wickets fell cheaply leaving the President's XI convincing winners by 56 runs.

The traditional after-match hospitality was enjoyed in the village hall with President's skipper Richard Norrish pleased to receive the trophy from chairman Dennis Edwards.

l Bowlers were on top throughout the South Devon League Division 2 clash between Belstone and Dawlish at Rew Meadow last Sunday. All the batsmen struggled with nobody making more than 17.

Batting first, Dawlish took 33 overs to reach 74 all out as Belstone held 7 catches and Fraser Willis and Terry Jeal both returned figures of 4 for 12.

Belstone did not find it easy to reach the target, and, at 58 for 7, it was anyone's game, with Horn having taken 3 for 21. Simon Tremain (17 not out) and Greg Cornish (10 not out) then saw the home team to a 3-wicket win in the 31st over, thus maintaining Belstone's challenge at the top of the table.

This Sunday, July 29, the league programme continues with an away game at Shaldon, and on Saturday July 28 there will be a car boot sale on the Belstone ground from 10am.