Devon League B division

Tavistock 1st XI v

Bideford 1st XI

WINNING the toss does not always bring the required result! Bideford were put in on a flat wicket and made steady early progress with a 91 opening partnership by halfway.

Then South African Sami Toffy took the attack to the Tavistock bowlers, cracking 104 not out off 74 balls ? including four huge sixes ? helped by some sub-standard fielding by the young Tavistock side.

There were also noticeable casualties in the bowling analysis, Stuart Munday going for 53 off his five overs, and Steve Luffman 45 for 8.

The pick of the bowlers were Andy Gauler, 2 for 47 off 13 overs and a promising start for young Will Simpson who opened the attack with six tidy overs.

Bideford?s total of 254 for 5 was always a big task with a good start vital.

This was when Tavistock?s luck ran out and a heavy thundery shower at tea brought life into a lifeless wicket.

Openers Andy Kaitiff and John McGahey struggled as the ball nipped around off the seam. Kaitiff tried to push the run rate along but ended up lobbing a catch to cover.

Orin Roesstorff (7) hit a glorious straight drive but then tickled a wide one to the keeper, and Tavistock were 28 for 2 with 14 overs already gone.

Dave Manning then joined John McGahey at the crease and a 43 partnership pushed the score on to 71 before John McGahey was caught first slip for 36, including one six and five fours.

Manning again assumed his place as Tavistock?s top batsman, helped by Luffman (18), Roger Whittingham (10) and Andy Gauler (18) smashing a top class 74 in 88 balls with 8 fours and 9 sixes to give Tavistock a respectable 198 for 6, just two runs short of another batting point.

r On Sunday Tavistock held its annual match against Ashley Tossell?s football team. Orin Roesstorff and Andy Gauler made a good start of 78 before a direct hit by Andy Rich ran Andy Gauler out. Then rain came and the match was called off after 18 overs.

l CRICKET fans are in for a treat this weekend when Tavistock play host to a professional Indian side.

The St John?s Sports Club, from Gujarat in Desai, will visit on Sunday June 29, as part of a ten-day tour of the UK. The match will start at 2pm.