Devon A

Tavistock firsts v Bideford firsts

EVERY game is a ‘cup final’ for Tavistock as they try to avoid relegation from the A division.

On Saturday at The Ring they entertained Bideford, who came up with Tavistock last season and are bottom of the table, so this was a must win game for the home side.

Bideford won the toss and elected to bat. J Roach has been a prolific scorer for them and again set the tone with a super 67 before being stumped by Dave Manning.

The rest of the batsmen contributed little and the constant rain interruptions meant they were only able to achieve 139 for 7 off 35 overs, setting Tavistock four an over to win.

Jamie Stephens again bowled well, taking 3-25 in his nine overs, while James MaGahey took 2-32 and Jay Stephen’s seven overs went only for an economical 14.

The home side replied by starting well with Dave Ball and Dom Scaglioni putting on 50 for the first wicket. A couple of wickets fell and Scaglioni ran himself out of a free hit and Tavistock were struggling at 71-3.

Tavistock’s Dave Manning, from being ultra cautious, suddenly launched a flurry of boundaries, hammering Atkinson for 20 in one over; this dispelled any doubts and with Jay Stephens playing an equally aggressive 26 not out Tavistock achieved their target with six overs to spare.

Young Jack Ford, aged 12, claimed a couple of notable scalps in taking 2-5 in his two overs.

This was a good win for Tavistock to help ease their relegation fears.