THE Buckley Cup 20 over-a-side evening games kicked off at Rew Meadow last Thursday when Belstone entertained Tedburn St Mary, who have rejoined the competition after a few years' absence.

Belstone set off at a gallop reaching 48 for 1 in only 6 overs thanks to Richard Drake, who continued his impressive early season form with a rapid 30 not out, including 3 sixes.

Simon Tremain held the rest of the innings together with a steady 25 while McGill was the pick of the Tedburn bowlers, picking up a hat-trick late on with the scalps of Aidan Easterbrook, Chris Walsh and Terry Jeal.

By contrast, Tedburn had only reached 17 for 3 off their first 10 overs thanks to tight bowling by Eddie Jones (2-4), Jonathan Parsons (2-6) and Rob Sandercock (1-8).

Although Chris Walsh claimed a wicket with his first ball of the season Tedburn then staged a recovery as Willoughby, with a rapid 27, and Fathers put on 37 runs in 4 overs. The return of Jones ended this flurry with Tedburn falling 37 runs short at the end of their 20 overs.

The first South Devon League match at Rew Meadow last Sunday was an extraordinary if unsatisfactory game. In a remarkably one-sided contest Belstone set new club records for highest individual score (Eddie Jones, 133), highest opening wicket (and any wicket) partnership (204 between Jones and Dennis Edwards, who hit his maiden century for the club, (101 not out), highest total (340 for 2 off 40 overs) and biggest victory margin (264 runs).

Not surprisingly, visitors Shaldon wilted completely under this batting onslaught, their performance not helped by arriving with only eight players - boosted to ten by playing an umpire and a Belstonian.

For the statisticians Jones hit 4 sixes and 15 fours, Edwards 10 fours, Richard Drake maintained his record of at least one six a game this season and Harry Bushin, promoted from No 10, reached 55 not out in the last ten overs.

The Shaldon innings was an anti-climax, Fraser Willis and Jonathan Parsons reducing them to 27 for 6.

Only Weldon, with 38 not out, showed any resistance before proceedings reached a mercifully early end after 22 overs.

Double action for Belstone this weekend with a home friendly against Teign Valley on Saturday and an away league game against Ashburton on Sunday.