Devon B

TAVISTOCK got their new season off to a winning start when they picked up maximum points in their game at Bideford.

Bideford won the toss and elected to bat first on what looked like a good batting track. Tavistock were off to a flyer with their overseas player Dylan Aucamp (2-23) picking up the wicket of Matt Sheperd with his second ball, Ian Gray taking an outstanding catch as mid-off with the ball swirling in the wind.

James McGahey (2-26) then picked up James Ford for just 9 with Gray taking another catch at mid-off. McGahey got his second shortly after with Tom Brend edged to Billy Barriball at second slip. Jayson Bartolo and Oliver Hannam steadied the ship, taking the host from 19-3 to 56-3 but when David Milligan dismissed Hannam for 16 Tavistock were back in control.

New boys Rob Bone (1-32) and Charlie Barriball (2-29) knocked over the next three batsmen for single figures and Aucamp picked up his second leaving the hosts 105-8. Bartolo frustrated Tavistock and brought up an impressive half century. His partnership with Michael Lemmings got the home side to 145 before Sean Cleave (1-25) bowled Bartolo for 67.

Tavistock picked up the last bowling point with a run out from the last ball of the game and were set 173 to win.

Tavistock’s run chase got off to a flying start with openers Dave Ball and Ian Gray capitalising on poor deliveries. The pair put on 50 in rapid time but Bideford captain, Paul Heard (3-24) got the vital breakthrough when he got Gray caught behind for 31 from just 24 balls. Jamie Lathwell (1-30) then had Ball lbw for 34 but at 79-2 Tavistock remained strong favourites. Heard had other ideas though and removed Dave Manning and Charlie Barriball for one and two respectively. Tavistock’s collapse continued with Josh Atkinson (1-26) got Aucamp caught and bowled for five. Michael Lemmings (1-19) then removed Cleave for two and Tavistock had slipped from 65-1 to 108-6.

Bone joined B Barriball at the crease with the pair needing 66 to get their new team over the line. Bone looked to support Barriball who was showing his ability straight away. Barriball passed 50 as the pair got the side to their target with 4.4 overs left. Barriball finished unbeaten on a superb 65 with Bone unbeaten on 18.

Tavistock picked up the full 20 points and captain Dave Ball was pleased with the result and the impact of the new players.

He said: ‘It was very pleasing to get the win against a good young Bideford side. Charlie Barriball and James McGahey bowled controlled spells up top, Bideford did well to get 172 after being 90-7.

‘After a solid start from Ball and Gray, Billy Barriball showed his class with 62 no to see us home. Rob Bone had an impressive game on debut with bat and ball. Overall this was a brilliant team performance.’