Devon D West

Yelverton Bohemians firsts v Babbacombe

YELVERTON first XI lost by seven wickets at home against Babbacombe, as they continued their pursuit of a first league win of the season.

Having won the toss, the Boheminans batted first for the fifth consecutive match but did not get off to the best of starts. Tight bowling from openers Andrew McVeigh (3-35) and Dean Durrant (2-21) left the home side at 38-4 after 12 overs.

Phil Mutlow (38) played a solid innings to help the recovery, with Steve Colmer (17) ably assisting in a stand of 49 for the sixth wicket.

However, 110-5 soon became 116-8 with 11 overs still left to bat. Thankfully for them, Yelverton’s deep batting line-up for this game came in handy, as the last few batsmen were able to occupy the crease and bring the total up to 151-9 at the end of the 45 overs.

Babbacombe started conservatively in response, with the score just 31-0 after 13 overs. They lost their first wicket at 43 in the 16th over, when Billy Allcock (19) was caught off James Casey (1-32).

The second wicket partnership was an important one, as Tim Goodwin (51) and Andrew McVeigh (20) put on 38 to give Babbacombe the advantage.

When Rich Townsend (1-21) dismissed McVeigh at 81-2 in the 25th over, Yelverton still had a chance — but the visitors pushed on after this.

Goodwin and Steve Broad (29 not out) were able to heavily increase the run rate and, despite Goodwin falling to Steve Colmer (1-20), Babbacombe were able to score the remaining 71 runs in just under ten overs.

Although Yelverton lost by seven wickets, it could have been a few less than this. A number of edges did not quite find fielders and a few tough half-chances were put down.