Devon B

Barton v

Tavistock firsts

TAVISTOCK travelled to Barton for their game last weekend as they looked to continue their unbeaten start to the season after a win in their first game and an abandoned game last weekend.

The game with Barton was reduced to a 30 over game because of a wet pitch. Tavistock lost the toss and were put into bat by the home side. Barton’s choice to bowl first seemed to pay off when Ball was bowled by Jon Martin (1-17) for a duck.

Billy Barriball and Ian Gray rebuilt for the away side and put on another 50 partnership. A change in bowling got the home side a much-needed break through with Bowker (2-21) getting the wicket of Gray for 26.

Barton then turned the game on its head with Adam Parker taking 4-17 in six overs as Tavistock went from 60-2 to 94-7. Tavistock managed to get up to 123 from their 30 overs with James McGahey caught on the last ball of the innings to give the home side maximum bowling points.

Tavistock came out to field knowing they were a few runs short but on a wet pitch it would not be a cruise for the home side. Dylan Aucamp (2-21) got his side off to the perfect start picking up Hunt and Baldry for 3 and 0 respectively — the latter was stumped superbly by Tavistock’s keeper, Dave Manning. Mark Gilmore and Shaun Needham steadied the ship for the home side but a superb spell by Sean Cleave (3-18) put the away side well and truly back in the game with both set batsman removed and the home team 50-5 after 15 overs.

Tavistock kept it tight after drinks and continued to pick up wickets and Barton were 88-8 with six overs remaining.

Jon Martin came in at number nine and scored an unbeaten 31 from 17 balls to get his side over the line with just three balls remaining, in a thrilling game for a neutral.

Tavistock took seven points from their trip to Torquay while Barton picked up 19 points.

Win for Barton.