Devon B division

Tavistock v Barnstaple and Pilton

FOLLOWING a winter of hard training, Tavistock First XI was ready for the first game of the season and welcomed Barnstaple and Pilton to The Ring in Devon Cricket League B Division.

Having won the toss, Tavistock elected to bat on what looked a good track with the sun shining overhead. Confident batting and wayward bowling meant Tavistock got off to a flier, losing Churchill for 45 in the 16th over with the score on 85.

All the top order batters contributed with Grey 21, Cleave 25, Manning 66, Muller 24, Daymond 22 and Stephens 17, all applying themselves well in setting a challenging total of 297 in their 45 overs.

In response, Barnstaple lost an early wicket to pace man Travis Muller, who is with Tavistock for the season from South Africa.

Apart from McEndoo with 61, the remaining batters struggled to come to terms with the varied Tavistock attack and run rate, eventually being bowled out for just 161.

While all the bowlers bowled well, Shaun Daymond with 4 for 28 was the pick. A very good start to the season with encouraging signs that the winters hard work is paying off.