Devon D West

Yelverton Bohemians firsts v

Dartington and Totnes

Yelverton have been relegated from Devon C West with four games left, following a seven wicket home defeat to top of the table Dartington and Totnes.

The Bohemians batted first and made a very considered start, trying to avoid a repeat of their top order collapse in the away fixture. The approach worked and the home side were sitting in a respectable position of 52-2 in the 17th over, mainly thanks to Geoff Brain (24).

Dartington’s notoriously strong bowling line-up eventually proved too much though, as it has done against almost every other team in the league.

First change bowlers Jonathan Colegate (3-19) and Harry Baxendale (5-14) did the damage, reducing the score to 70-7. Baxendale was then able to take the final three wickets in the 31st over to bowl Yelverton out for 80.

With tea not scheduled for another 30 minutes, Dartington came straight out to try and chase down the runs. However, early wickets for Steve Colmer (2-34) and Dan Cooper (1-27) put the visitors in a spot of bother at 15-2. The teams went off for tea after eight overs with the score 32-2 and Yelverton in good spirits.

Dartington lost another wicket just after the break (34-3) but there was no further concern as overseas player Jacobus Snyman (51 not out) and captain Harry Baxendale (17 not out) led them home to a seven wicket victory.

Yelverton can be pleased with their bowling and fielding performance, as the league leaders took 21 overs to chase down the low target.

With Yelverton bottom of the table and 89 points from safety, their relegation is now confirmed.