North Devon one

Belstone v North Molton

VISITORS North Molton completed the double over Belstone in their latest North Devon One match but not before Belstone number three Ryan Dennis had single-handedly kept them in the game with his second century for the club.

The visitors’ top order accumulated steadily, at one time reaching 187-3, thanks to a patient innings of 33 from Dan Godfrey, 38 from Hooper and especially Rob Ayre, who caressed 11 boundaries and a six in his 74, scored in 127 minutes.

Lewis Hough stepped up the pace with a run-a-minute 27 but Belstone fielded well, with Adam Woolnough taking three catches and Ryan the pick of the bowlers with 4 for 39, as the innings finished on a very competitive 241-9.

After an early setback Belstone kept up with the required run rate as Ryan dominated a 106-run second wicket partnership with opener Phil Woods (26).

The middle order five wickets could only muster eight runs between them, while Ryan added another 43 at the other end, reaching his century with his tenth boundary.

Eventually he was eighth out, bowled by the accurate Jamie Palmer (8-0-22-3) for 118, scored out of 173 in 121 minutes. There were still eight overs left and 68 runs needed at that point so, although a ninth wicket partnership of 27 between Chris Walpole (20 not out) and Tom Boother (13) briefly threatened, North Molton successfully kept the lid on the scoring to win by 27 runs.

The result leaves Belstone seventh in the league, one place above bottom side Sandford.