Devon E West

Tavistock seconds v Plymouth thirds

ON Saturday Tavistock seconds welcomed a weakened Plymouth third XI to the Ring knowing a positive result was required.

Stand in skipper John McGahey won the toss and decided to get first use of what looked a decent track. Despite a run flowing start where Tavistock got up to 60 off five overs, wickets were falling.

Stephens came and went for 3, followed by a rapid 40 for Matt Puttock (18 balls), Ben Evans (9) and Webber (1) did not trouble the scorers too much and neither did Milligan who was ran out for 0. At 71-5 Tavistock looked in trouble.

Tavistock’s long standing veterans John McGahey and Andy Gauler came to Tavistock’s rescue though, both with patient knocks of 38 and 39 respectively kept the home side ticking which allowed a bit of freedom for returnee Wayne Downham (65) and Steve Dashper (17) to have a go at the Plymouth bowlers and a quick cameo from Proctor (13 not out) at the end, plus a rather generous 55 extras, took Tavvy up to 281-9 at the break.

After tea Tavistock took to the field trying to defend their sizeable total. Runs started to flow for Plymouth until Puttock removed opener Paul Butson for 11.

A few cameos from Plymouth batsmen Julyan (28), Singlehurst (36) and Laughton(22) kept Plymouth ticking along and with the just as generous 45 extras from the home bowlers, it was game on at drinks.

However, once Gauler removed Julyan, and Puttock sent Singlehurst on his way, Tavistock chipped away at the middle and lower order and 22 runs from the lower six Plymouth batsmen did not help their cause.

Ben Evans drew two batsmen out of their crease for 2 stumpings from keeper Webber and had another tough chance snaffled by Stephens to finish with 3-38 off his nine overs.

Veteran Gauler 2-21 off his nine was as miserly as ever. Wayne Downham also picked up 2-37 on his return to the side and opener Matt Puttock picked up three of his own for 32 as Tavistock bowled Plymouth out for 180 and picked up a valuable 20 points and moved themselves out of the relegation places.

Two big games follow for Tavistock against the bottom two sides.