Tavistock firsts v Barnstaple firsts
TAVISTOCK secured an immediate return to the Devon Cricket A division on the final day of the season, with a 65-run victory over Barnstaple.
Tavistock skipper Andy Gauler, yet again lost the toss and his opposite number from Barnstaple, the former Devon spinner Steve Moore, had no hesitation in asking the home side to bat on a rain-affected pitch.
Tavistock soon ran into trouble against the accurate bowling and tight fielding of the visitors, and were rocking at 32 for 4, with Gray, Tompkies, Jake Luffman and big hitting vice-captain Dave Manning back in the hutch.
However, the innings was gradually repaired by the experienced pairing of Steve Luffman and Andy Kaitiff, who shared in a partnership of 70. This was a partnership of patience and Luffman in particular, put his normal aggressive style to one side and knuckled down to score a masterful knock of 63.
Kaitiff was bowled for 23 with the score at 102, Luffman was then joined by the South African Hendricks, who over the season has played some vital innings down the order, but it was not his day — he was run out for 1, from a direct throw from the boundary.
Sean Daymond joined Luffman and they shared in a partnership of 30, before a tired shot from Luffman saw him bowled. The innings ended in the final over, when Baker was out first ball, with the Tavistock score resting at 153.
All the Tavistock players realised that 153 was a competitive total, but not insurmountable, the bowling and the fielding had to be top drawer and what followed certainly met all of skipper Gauler's hopes and expectations.
Beuran Hendricks and Lee Baker opened the at tack and set the tone for the Barnstaple innings, Baker in particular was outstanding, taking the vital wickets of Payne, Mcendoo and Cole. Baker finished the day with figures of 3 for 15 off his allotted 13 overs, he was supported in fine fashion by Sean Daymond who took 3 for 37, including the wicket of Barton, who has been a prolific run-scorer for the North Devon side.
Gauler replaced Baker at the Whitchurch end and he was soon into the action, picking up 3 wickets in short time, after five overs and with figures of 3 for 11, the skipper left the coup de gras to Hendricks who knocked over the wicket of Moore, who had made a dogged 26.
This was a fine victory for Tavistock and the promotion which it guaranteed, obliterates all the painful memories of 2008 and is no more than the club deserves. However as all players and officials realise the real hard work starts now, 'A' division cricket is tough and to compete the players will have to prepare and practise with increased intensity.