Devon Seconds XI division B
TAVISTOCK were asked to bat on a wet wicket at Ivybridge. This was a bowler friendly track and overcast, warm conditions made for swing and seam movement.
Tavistock were soon in trouble at 37 for three before captain John McGahey and Phil Stephens set about repairing the damage.
The shackles were broken with a drive over the top from McGahey he went on to score 74 before being caught on the boundary. Stephens continued to an impressive 99 not out, these two added 141 for the fourth wicket taking the score to 174 and putting Tavistock in command.
Chappel (35) came in and with Stephens took the score onto 259.
Ivybridge started badly after an early spell from Downham being 31-3 but loose bowling and good batting from Parish 87 and Tuckwell 30 put Ivybridge on the road to victory; at the half way stage they were 133 for three.
Drinks came and McGahey gathered his troops. Tavistock showed resolve and a never say die attitude.
Downham came into the attack and removed their dangermen in an aggressive five over spell — with Tuckwell caught behind attempting a square cut and then the impressive Parish to the same shot at first slip.
Ivybridge had nothing left to offer and Jeffrey chipped in with three wickets to polish them off for just another 22 runs.
Man of the match was Phil Stephens.
l Next week Tavistock play Bideford at home, where they could confirm their promotion if they win.
Tavistock Seconds v Abbotskerswell
ABBOTSKERSWELL got off to a slow start due to tight spells from Tavistock's James McGahey and Wayne Downham, whose swing bowling made the first breakthrough bowling Lock for one.
Captain Guy Harrison-Roberts was next to go after a late call by Green and good work at the bowling end by Goodchild and James McGahey, who ran him out.
Downham picked up two more wickets as did Dave Jeffrey .
A late stand by Burt (19) and French (18) took Abbotskerswell to 122 for 9 off 46 overs.
Tavistock reply started badly with Gosling playing on for nought and Goodchild lbw without scoring.
At 2 for 1 captain McGahey and Josh Stephens had some rebuilding to do which they did taking the score onto 29 before McGahey went back and played on.
This brought Phil Stephens to the wicket. The father and son partnership put on 80 runs before Josh was bowled for 40 — but they had done enough and Tavistock went on to win by four wickets.
Man of the match was Wayne Downham for his 3-18 off 13 overs.