Devon B Tavistock v Ivybridge IN a highly anticipated encounter, Tavistock first XI welcomed Ivybridge to The Ring. Sitting top of the league, Tavistock were wary of Ivybridge who beat them twice last season and have star quality in Sri Lankan Jeewan DeSilva. Having lost the toss, Tavistock were inserted and needed a steady start. Openers Aaron Churchill and Ian Gray duly obliged with an opening partnership of 61, before both fell in quick succession. At 109-3, Tavistock were moving along nicely but then leading run scorer from last season and wicket keeper Dave Manning pulled up while running a single with a torn side muscle. This was the end of his game. Wickets tumbled and apart from 24 from Sean Cleave, the game was fast being lost at 140-9. Step up Jamie Stephens who quickly worked out to play the big spinning DeSilva, moving inside the line of the ball and playing him through the off side. Clever running and selective hitting bought him 43 runs and Tavistock innings ended on a slightly below par 174. DeSilva took 3-24. With no substitute allowed, Tavistock took the field with 10 players and needed early wickets. South African Thokozani Peter was pumped and attacked the crease, threw himself off his feet in delivery and knocked the batman's stumps out of the ground first ball; unfortunately for Tavistock a no ball was called. The Ivybridge batters played sensibly in adding 54 for the first wicket before Danny Goldstone took a great catch on the boundary. Again, the batsmen applied themselves and at 99-2 were cruising to victory. At drinks, it was decided to try some creative field placings and bowling changes. To make matters worse, Jamie Stephens was suffering from heat stroke and unable to contribute, effectively Tavistock were fielding with nine players. Time for the players to show some character. Up stepped skipper Shaun Daymond with two wickets in the first over after tea; Sean Cleave in his first over had DeSilva lbw and quickly took two more wickets; James McGahey added two more and at 143-8, the game was tilting Tavistock's way. However, the Ivybridge tail had different thoughts and some lusty blows took them to 167, just seven short of victory. With two players down, Tavistock needed something special. Up step James McGahey. Within three balls he had bowled Tavistock to victory, sending the stumps flying to earn Tavistock the victory.