Devon B

Tavistock firsts v

Axminster firsts

ON a bright sunny afternoon Tavistock won the toss and elected to bat. Tavistock got off to a great start thanks to Will Simpson (38) and Rhys Davies (54), who put on an opening stand of 95 in just 19 overs.

Upon Davies dismissal Simpson was joined by Shaun Daymond together they consolidated the great start and moved the score on to 133 before Simpson was dismissed.

With 16 overs remaining Tavistock went on the offensive through firstly Dave Manning (21) and secondly Aaron Churchill, whose 31 off just 18 balls injected some real momentum to the innings. This coupled with Daymond's 53 and a brisk 17 from Sean Cleave took Tavistocks' total to a formidable 236.

Axminsters' reply got off to a sluggish start thanks to a tight opening spell from James McGahey and Chris Hutchins.

It was Hutchins (3-50) who made the vital breakthroughs in reducing Axminster to 69-3 at drinks. Axminsters' woes continued after the break as Cleave (3-45) and Daymond (1-34) ripped through their middle order and slowed the scoring rate.

As Tavistock pushed for victory Axminsters' lower order dug in and despite a late wicket from Andy Gauler they managed to survive the remaining overs eventually finishing on 169-8, with Tavistock (15pts) having to settle for a winning draw with Axminster (9).