Devon C West

Plympton seconds v Bridestowe

THE league restructuring means that the C Division now contains two second XI’s formerly in the premier division. Bridestowe will face two of the three sides in the opening two weeks of the season so should get a fairly good idea of the different challenges these sides will pose.

First up were Plympton at Harewood Park. Bridestowe lost the toss and found themselves batting with a wet outfield but a good wicket considering the week’s heavy rain.

James Ewen (13) and Gary Sizmur (14) got off to a rapid start, helped by some rather wayward opening spells. Things quickly changed though as, with the score on 39, Ewen was bowled by Mark Draper and Sizmur who was well caught at first slip off Leemon Ahmed.

Despite some attacking batting, Ahmed (5-30) continued to bowl with great control and variation and picked up several middle order wickets. Brandon Horn (35) swung the momentum back towards Bridestowe with some lusty blows. Only a spectacular boundary catch from Plympton skipper Jason Degg put an end to an entertaining innings, just as Horn was really starting to find the middle.

Last pair Alex Jopling (25) and Tom Boother (5 no) added some vital runs to get Bridestowe to 150 all out before another good catch from Degg ended the innings. Only 26.5 overs had been bowled and some more sensible batting would have lead to a score well over 200, but the visitors still felt that 150 was eminently defendable.

Going straight back out before tea, Bridestowe got off to a good start with the ball as openers Ryan Dennis (3-18) and Gary Sizmur (1-10) both picked up early wickets. Only Charles O’Higgins (12) made double figures in the hosts top four. 

After his heroics with the ball, Ahmed (31) steadied the innings, and along with Degg (16) survived to the tea break with the score at 46-5. There was a momentum shift after tea as Ahmed went after the bowling striking a few boundaries down the ground. 

The introduction of Mark Whiteside (2-8) broke the partnership of 53 as Ahmed skied the ball to Horn at cover. From there the game was all but over as Whiteside also removed Degg and Jopling (3-27) mopped up the tail to leave Plympton 81-9. 

However, the youthful last pair of Jack Sellick (15 no) Josiah Caunter (10) were determined not to give their wickets away and kept the visitors out in the field for more than ten overs.

The game was sealed when Dennis returned to take the final wicket and give Bridestowe (18 points) a 37-run win.