BELSTONE arrived at Rew Meadow last Sunday for their final South Devon League game of the season knowing they had already secured at least second place in division 2 and had thus gained promotion to division 1.

They celebrated with an emphatic 77-run victory over third-placed Raleigh, the maximum 12 points gained keeping up the pressure on Chudleigh, the favourites for top spot in division 2.

Raleigh suffered an early setback when their probable best player Lee Elston suffered a suspected broken finger while taking the catch at cover that dismissed Eddie Jones for seven. Elston was unable to field and only batted as last man.

Most of the Belstone batsmen made useful contributions, in particular Pete Gross (18), Wayne Pearce (29), Dennis Edwards (24), Chris Walpole (26) and Chris Gomersall (23 not out) while the wickets were shared between all five Raleigh bowlers.

Needing to score at almost four an over Raleigh never looked in the hunt as eight of the batsmen were bowled, including four who dragged the ball onto their own stumps. Skipper Jonathan Parsons was particularly effective picking up four wickets for seven runs in his four overs as Raleigh were all out in just 21.1 overs.

Partnership Publishing South Devon League Division 2

P W L A Batting Pts Bowling Pts Pts

Belstone 8 5 2 1 10 13 64

Chudleigh 6 4 1 1 9 8 53

Raleigh 8 3 4 1 4 7 39

Dawlish & T?mouth 7 2 3 2 8 4 36

Exeter St James 7 1 5 1 6 6 20