Devon B division
Tavistock first v Kingsbridge
AN excellent 90 by Ian Gray and exceptional spell of bowling from Hendricks of 8-43 gave Tavistock a win that puts them within touching distance of the A division next year.
Tavistock lost the toss and were asked to bat on a damp wicket up at the Ring. Conditions favoured the bowlers with both swing and seam movement, but the team made steady progress.
Getting to a good total is all about partnerships and Gray was supported all the way through the innings gaining good support from all those who joined him at the crease.
Tomkies made 29, Manning 36 and after Gray fell ten short of his ton, the Luffmans finished off the innings with a flourish, Tavistock making 248-4.
The team had obviously learned from last week's match, with shot selection being much better and the acceleration of the rate being left later in proceedings.
Baker and Hendricks opened the bowling and while the batsmen never looked comfortable a wicket initially proved difficult to come by.
A good piece of fielding from James McGahey removed one opener and Hendricks removed the other but there then followed a period of stalemate.
Baker bowled very tightly and beat the batsmen two or three times, yet in the end finished wicketless.
Buckland and Treeby played shots and contrived not to give a single chance until Hendricks was brought back. Switching to round the wicket two short pitched deliveries resulted in the batsmen being cramped for room and catches for Manning.
The Hendricks - Manning combination accounted for no less than six of the Kingsbridge wickets as Hendricks blew away the lower order.
There was good news from other matches where Alphington beat Plymstock convincingly. This means that Tavistock in second place are now 26 points ahead of Plymstock and should gain promotion with just two matches to play.