Lewdown second XI

ON a glorious day at The Recreation Field, Yelverton chose to bat on what looked to be a lovely batting track.

Their decision was soon vindicated with heir openers batting freely, forcing Lewdown to defend the boundaries on a quick outfield as early as the third over.

On the whole Lewdown fielded tidily, however a couple of dropped catches and a run out decision and some good batting contributed to Yelverton setting a challenging target of 241 for the loss of 3 wickets from their 40 overs. Gibbs, Vernon and Cooper took the wickets for Lewdown. One of the home side's pluses was young Peter Cooper, who bowled with good control, aggression and bowled some 'unplayable' deliveries.

In reply, Lewdown lost their top four batsmen all for single figures. Needing seven runs per over more than 30 overs Rob Squire and Mark Gibbs batted fluently, scoring runs all around the wicket, predominantly hitting the ball hard and on the ground.

The tiring Gibbs fell for 40, bringing Worth to the crease. The tempo and run rate continued to climb, when with just 36 runs needed for victory with six overs remaining Worth was bowled playing an uncharacteristic 'touch' shot.

Rob Squire continued to hit the ball to all areas but gradually ran out of partners. He finished on 89 not out and Lewdown on 235, losing by six runs in what was a tense finale.

l Lewdown travel to Buckland to play Yelverton again next Saturday.