Devon E

Bridestowe v Whimple

BRIDESTOWE went into the final round of games ten points above the relegation spots, but with 22 points available for a declaration win, they had to win their last game against Whimple to be sure of E division cricket in 2014.

Whimple, who themselves needed a big win to have a chance of getting promoted to the D division with Babbacombe, won the toss and opted to bat. Tom and Dan Fogerty both bowled economical opening spells and Dan Forgerty (6-3-11-2) soon had the breakthrough. The dangerous Gordon-Lennox was tempted by a ball short of a length outside off-stump and slapped it straight to Jack Hatton at mid-off.

Palfrey came in and was immediately on the attack, hitting two boundaries in quick succession before he was cleaned bowled from Tom Forgerty. The batsmen were finding it hard to get Dan Forgerty away and he deservedly got his second wicket, as their number four hit the ball straight to Alex at mid-wicket.

Thompson and Brown built a decent partnership and at 90-3 the game was in the balance. Barry Down replaced Hatton and he made the breakthrough in his first over taking the wicket of opener Thompson for 46, lbw to make it 100-4 at drinks. Down took his second wicket when Searle heaving to mid-wicket where Tom Forgerty took the catch.

Brown was striking the ball well, however the batsmen at the other end looked much less convincing. Griffiths had Brown caught by Tom Forgerty at deep mid-on for a crucial wicket. Another good length ball had the batsmen trapped and he was given lbw, making it two wickets in two balls! That meant a hat-trick ball for Griffiths and with men around the bat, he served up a full, straight ball that struck the man on the front foot striaght infront and after a load appeal Griffiths had a hat-trick! An amazing over from Neil reducing Whimple from 114-5 to 118-8. Whimple's lower order managed to punish the odd loose ball from Down and Neil. Neil (3-14-4) got his fourth caught at cover by Jack and Barry (6.3-29-3) took the final wicket, bowling the big hitting Gillard. After an excellent bowling performance, Bridestowe had bowled Whimple out for 146.

Phil Woods and Jack Hatton started well but after a good start in the third over Hatton was caught at gully. Palfrey was steaming in down the hill and he soon had Woods as well, caught behind. Matt Dennis joined Phil Hatton at the crease but a rapid bouncer saw Dennis hit the ball to gully leaving Bridestowe 19-3.

Bridestowe really needed some stability and Woods and Down by the drinks period took their side to 81-3.

Shortly after Phil Woods pulled his quad and needed a runner but still managed to strike the ball beautifully, frequently finding the boundary. He scored his 50 but Whimple keeper whipped off the bails as Woods was stumped for 59 to make it 114-4.

Tom Fogerty was soon followed, out lbw. James Ewen was next in and smashed his first ball over mid-off for four. He beautifully clipped another boundary through mid-wicket to get Bridestowe within ten runs.

Down ended on 49 but it was James (16no) who finished things off, clipping another through the leg-side for 4. The win ensured that Bridestowe will be playing E Division cricket again next year and shall hopefully be looking towards promotion rather than relegation!