North Devon one

Belstone v Hatherleigh

BELSTONE came into their first game in division one of the North Devon Cricket League with only one friendly under their belt.

The lack of match experience soon told as league leaders Hatherleigh outplayed them in all departments and cruised to a seven wicket win not long after tea.

Hatherleigh skipper asked Belstone to bat and they were soon in trouble as Tom Fogerty spooned a catch to mid on off the third ball of Andy Collier's first over.

Collier soon picked up two more wickets, while at the other end Charlie Nielson was equally effective with three wickets of his own, so by the 20-over half way stage of the innings the home team had limped to 61-6, with only a partnership of 23 for the third wicket between Phil Woods and Ryan Dennis (both 12) holding up the attack.

Dan and Mark Fogerty added 26 for the seventh wicket before Rob Fishleigh (7.3-1-24-3) cleaned up the tail leaving Belstone all out for a measly 82, top scorer being the 15 wides conceded.

Hatherleigh made light work of the run chase with Chris Jelley leading the way, hitting two sixes and six boundaries in a run-a-minute 49 before he was out just before the end to the second of two fine diving catches by Ryan Dennis at midwicket.