BRIDESTOWE Cricket Club finished the season with a President's day match contested between two teams made up from players of the club.

 In perfect playing conditions a close game saw the BCC XI narrowly beat the President's men, overhauling the 153 target with the last wicket standing. Younger club members showed that they are ready for senior cricket and there were a number of strong performances with bat and ball. A ladies match preceded the main event and once again, there was no shortage of talent on display; to the extent that BCC will run a number of ladies friendly fixtures next season.

The President's won the toss and elected to bat. Charlie Nielson started well with a quick-fire 27, however wickets fell at the other end with Tom Fogerty (1-22) and Mark Butler (2-35) both bowling good opening spells. Phil Hatton (33) played well in the middle overs hitting a couple of huge sixes, but a fine spell from Devon U13s Daniel Fogerty (2-16) left the Presidents in trouble at 126-7. The innings was wrapped up by Paul Prouse, who removed Darren Hunt and Mark Fogerty, leaving the President's all out for a respectable 153.

The chase started solidly, with an opening partnership betw-een Jack Hatton (31) and Steve Batsone (22) which saw Bridestowe pass 50 before a wicket fell. The partnership was broken by James Ewen (3-21) who spun past the defences of both openers, before Gavin McDougall (1-28) removed first team captain Tremaine caught and bowled. This left the game in the balance with BCC 74-3 at tea. The momentum constantly shifted as Paul Prouse smashed 16 off a Chris Lavis over, before he was bowled by Hatton for 25. Runs began to flow before Lavis (2-29)  took two quick wickets, leaving the last wicket pair of Tom Fogerty and Kev Yates still needing 11 runs to win. Fogerty kept a cool head winning the game with a classy leg glance for four to finish a fine day's cricket.

n Rose Dashper, BCC president, told those watching that it had been a hard year for the club both on and off the field. The first XI had found Devon League Division C to be a challenge this year and will be playing in the D division next year. The club has a wealth of talented younger players and overall the playing future looks bright. The second XI finished mid-table while bad weather also decimated the evening league season.

n Bridestowe are always looking for sources of revenue to keep the club afloat. It costs close to £1,000 per season just to pay for league fees, match balls, umpires etc and ground equipment to produce a pitch fit to play at league standard is also expensive to purchase and maintain. Sponsors are very hard to find. BCC are very proud of the fact that they do not pay any players, all of whom are local to the area. This is unique amongst clubs at this level and ensures that any funding received goes to support local cricketers.

If you are interested in playing cricket, at whatever standard, helping the club financially or with your time, please contact us via the website at http://www.bridestowecricket.com or">www.bridestowecricket.com or contact Charlie Ewen on 07768 991269.