BELSTONE travelled to Hatherleigh for their first game of the new cricket season last Sunday. Hatherleigh, batting first on a slow pitch and outfield, struggled to 92 for seven at barely above three an over with only Bennett (28) looking entirely comfortable, thanks mainly to the bowling of Andrew Paterson (three for 19 from eight overs) and Jonathan Parsons (eight overs, one for 20). A rapid partnership of 57 for the eighth wicket between Stacey (35) and Clements (24) then took the home team to 175 all out with one over of the 40 remaining. Belstone?s reply began in style when Richard Drake lifted his first ball over the cover boundary for six but thereafter wickets fell steadily and the required run rate increased as half the side were out with only 54 on the board at the 20 over stage. Wayne Pearce steadied the innings with 21 in 82 minutes while Chris Gomersall (18), Chris Walpole (18) and Harry Bushin (23 not out) picked up the pace at the other end but Hatherleigh remained in control thanks to the leg-spin of Tidball (two for 20) and the pace of Stacey (three for 31 from seven overs). Belstone were eventually all out for 148 with 15 balls remaining, giving Hatherleigh the win by 27 runs.
