Devon seconds E West

Bridestowe seconds v Cornwood fourths

WITH a bye and a rained off match previously, this was the opening game for the Bridestowe second string and the rustiness showed as they found themselves on 30-5 in gloomy overcast conditions on a slow wicket.

The only resistance up the order came from Patrick Ewen whose promising innings was ended by an edge picked off by Matthews at slip for 22. Dave Jopling, Stuart Cann and Simon Tremain all made contributions before father and son Phil and Barry Down first saw off the accurate opening pair of Smith and O'Hea and then accelerated the run rate making 39 and 31 respectively as Bridestowe reached 133 all out in the 45th over.

Down and Down also figured strongly in a fine bowling display from Bridestowe and the Cornwood batsmen did not find any weak links in a relentless attack. Wickets fell regularly with Bridestowe showing some good ground fielding.

Charlie Ewen took four catches in the outfield and few opportunities where missed resulting in Cornwood unable to generate any momentum at any time. Leon Horn made a fine debut for Bridestowe turning the ball sharply despite the conditions and taking two wickets.

Cornwood were all out for 74 with Barry Down returning the best bowling figures of 13-9-8-3.