THE 31st annual tour of the Tamar Cavaliers cricketers to Devon and Somerset started off on a wet note but it appeared to brighten as as they aimed for Morebath near Tiverton for their first game. Morebath worked hard to prepare a playable pitch but the game was over after 30 overs due to the start time and the weather.

The Cavaliers won the toss and decided to bat. After a good start between G Sizmur (20) and J Stevens (42 not out) the innings fell into trouble until a partnership between Mike Pike (11) and D Harris (15) helped the team to a total of 122.

Morebath started their pursuit after a great tea but could not get going, losing wickets at intervals and some tidy bowling from all the Cavalier bowlers with Callington’s Josh Murray-Distin achieving the figures of 3-17 and G Sizmur with 1-7 off five overs. The home side ended up 22 runs short.

On Tuesday a rearranged match was played due to the wicket at Fitzhead being deemed unfit to play and the Cavaliers took on the young side Brompton Ralph.

The visitors scored a good total of 197, mainly due to a score of 93 by Gary Sizmur. The afternoon got off to a bad start with Matt Rickard unable to field due to an injury from batting. Brompton Ralph achieved their target of 198 with one ball to spare. The highlight of the Cavaliers’ bowling was Mike Pike who in eight overs, took four wickets for 45 runs.

On an overcast Thursday the tour travelled to Bridgetown. The home side won the toss and started slowly until McDermott and Matravers came together, scoring 78 and 51 respectively to take their total to 222 off 40 overs.

The Cavaliers started off well, with a stand of 47 but the innings fell apart in the middle and they were finally bowled out for 114, with McDermott taking 3-17.

The final match of the tour was at Sampford Peverell. Tamar Cavaliers batted first and reached 206-9. There were good knocks from Gary Sizmur and Brian Stokes.

Halberton only managed 158 all out with good bowling from 15 year-old Josh Murray (4-27), who had an excellent tour.