Belstone v Ashburton BELSTONE made it two wins out of two in the South Devon League with an exciting 4 wicket victory at Ashburton on Sunday. Put in to bat the home side got off to a great start with opener West (18) hitting the first two balls he faced for four. Kevin Nicholls (33) and Dean Topping (41) maintained the healthy run rate taking the score to 99/1 after 20 overs. The visitors fought back well with Chris Gomersall (9-1-26-3) troubling all the batsmen with his variations in pace and movement. George Hall (4-0-10-1) and Rob Sandercock (3.1-1-9-3) also bowled well as Ashburton?s middle and lower order struggled for runs. The last Ashburton wicket fell in the final over after an excellent run out effected by Pete Gross and Phil Woods. Ashburton?s total of 152 represented a great fightback by Belstone?s bowlers and fielders. Belstone?s reply got off to a slow start against some accurate bowling by West (8.2-3-24-1) and Bruce Broughton (8-4-20-1). Richard Drake (22) and Dennis Edwards (21) tried their best to increase the scoring rate, but were kept in check by excellent bowling from Topping (9-1-24-1). After Edwards was dismissed in the 27th over Belstone were 74/4 still requiring 79 runs from the last 13 overs. Woods (56) and Andrew Paterson (25) both played positively in a quickfire partnership of 51 in seven overs that brought the visitors back into the game. Ashburton?s fielders helped Belstone?s cause by dropping several easy catches. After Paterson was dismissed, Woods continued to bat well bringing up a well deserved half-century (8 fours) with a boundary. With solid support from Jonathan Parsons (2), Woods secured victory for Belstone in the penultimate over of the game. Belstone man of the match: Phil Woods This Sunday, Belstone travel to Honiton for a friendly followed by a Buckley Cup game at Sticklepath on June 8.