2nd XI?D (East)

Bridestowe v Topsham

EXPECTATIONS were again high for the visit of lowly Topsham to Millaton, with Bridestowe fielding a strong side which included returning stalwarts, Phil Down and Kev Yates. Continuing the Bridestowe family traditions, Jack Shaw, son of opener Tim also made his debut.

Skipper Jutson was mindful of last week's disappointing loss to Exwick and there was quite a debate about what he might do if he won the toss. All of this was again irrelevant, as Jutson lost another home toss and opposition skipper, Mike Davison opted to bat. Jutson went with the business-as-usual opening combination of Tim Shaw (6-2-5-0) and himself (9-4-19-3) and despite a good hard track, Topsham struggled to deal with the relentless accuracy with only Mike Tracey showing much resistance to the nagging length and line.

Jack Barkwell (7-2-25-2) made a very promising debut and used his height well to get good bounce and very late swing. Dave Jopling (6.1-2-15-1) also proved hard to get away and Alex Jopling (2-0-3-2) demonstrated that his spinning darts are more effective than his usual seam up.

Topsham struggled to 78, with extras top scoring with 23. The main highlight for Topsham was the second Saturday appearance of Maddy Ross, who showed much promise, including clubbing Jopling senior to the boundary.

There was some nervousness after last week's debacle at Exwick but with a proper cricket pitch and the return of standard opening pair of Batstone and Dave Jopling, those nerves eased as the home side made a solid start getting to the 50 partnership with seeming ease. At that stage, Batstone survived a couple of close shaves before offering up an easy catch to go on 26. Buzz Brimacombe applied his usual aggressive approach and with tea looming, was keen to get the game finished before the buns came out.

Forcing the pace a bit too much, he holed out on the boundary, caught from the bowling of Maddy Ross who demonstrated that she was as confident with the ball as with the bat. It came to father and son combination of Dave and Alex Jopling to get the game finished, which they did with two balls to spare before the tea break.

Bridestowe beat Topsham by eight wickets.