Tiverton v Yelverton

YELVERTON Bohemians took on struggling Tiverton knowing they needed 20 points to go into the last game next week with a chance of promotion.

The team did all that was asked of them in a thoroughly professional win, earning the 20 points, but were disappointed to learn that Ashburton's 19-point win had all but gained them promotion. This has been a successful season for Yelverton, all the same, and this strong squad will take on champions Lewdown next week with the sole aim of ending on a high, before re-grouping to mount another challenge next year.

Skipper Jez Stokes invited Tiverton to bat on a damp track, but the luckless opening bowlers failed to cut through the early order. Colin Broughton suffered the most, bowling with pace and movement to watch edges fly and scuttle to the boundary in a blizzard of false shots. He finished on 13-1-56-2, figures which do not reflect his two great spells. It was the wily, biting leg spin of Mushy Vince (13-1-57-4) that carved out the heart of the host's order and he continues to be a serious threat to all opponents. Robbie Bennett (4.3-0-19-2) tidied up the tail, to ensure that the Bohemians earned maximum bowling points. Tiverton had reached a creditable 210, riding their luck along the way.

The Bohemian's strong batting line-up did the business without fuss or alarm. Robbie Bennett (23) and Colin Broughton (48), the team's highest run scorers this year, set the platform with strong pulling and sensible shot selection. Keeper-batsman Tim Rutherford then demolished anything loose to score a cultured 58 and destroy any hope of a Tiverton fightback. Tim Berry (18 no) guided the visitors to victory.

This was another solid Yelverton performance, showing once more the strength of the first team squad striving to take the club forward and provide high league status for the mass of talented colts at the club. If the first team does miss out this year, which seems likely now, there is still a strong and skilful senior platform at the club to mount another challenge on the league next year. Indeed, there is no reason why Yelverton Bohemians Cricket Club can not reach the C and B Divisions within the coming seasons.