Devon G West

Yelverton firsts v Kingsbridge

YELVERTON first XI lost by seven wickets against Kingsbridge, in what was their last home game of the season.

The Bohemians won the toss and batted first but lost both openers in the first eight overs, leaving them 22-2.

Phil Mutlow (43) and Geoff Brain (22) then put on a solid 51-run partnership which meant the home side were set up nicely after 20 overs.

However, the dismissal of Brain sparked a middle-order blip and they were soon 86-6.

Lewis Gunn-Collings (20) and Martin Goff (32) played important innings to get things back on track.

A partnership of 44 between them brought the total to 130-7 after 33 overs. Goff continued with a considered approach, ensuring the remaining 12 overs were used up. Yelverton put on another 39 runs before being bowled out for 169 in the final over. Kingsbridge, needed a victory to keep their chances of avoiding relegation alive. They got off to a good start, reaching 39-0 after eight overs. The tempo of the chase changed when some pace was taken off the ball. Chris Pearson (1-21) bowled with exceptional accuracy for Yelverton, despite carrying a knee injury. He picked up the first wicket of Richard Carr (22) with the score on 51.

Kingsbridge captain Bhanu De Silva (52) put on 55 for the second wicket with Olly Robinson (17) to help keep the visitors in control. Jamie Cooper (2-10) then removed both De Silva and Robinson in the 26th over to take the score to 107-3. Cooper struggling with illness, came off the field between his overs.

Ed Church (15 not out) and Matt Hammett (31 not out) kept their cool, however, and put on an unbeaten stand of 63 to take Kingsbridge to the target with six overs left.