ALTHOUGH not exactly in June sunshine the premiership round of the 20/20 West Devon area finals took place at the Ring, Tavistock, on Sunday. The weather was dry and although having to play on the Astro Turf the competition was successfully concluded.

Tavistock opened proceedings against Sticklepath and were given a real fright by the minnows who battled well to get 91 with Paul Penberthy getting a fine 54 not out. James McGahey with 3-12 was the only Tavistock bowler to make any impression. It took Tavistock to the last over to achieve the target — Sean Cleave top scoring with 31.

Lewdown showed their batting power with a comprehensive hammering of Lifton's bowlers. They reached a record 167-2 in ten overs with Jack Williams and brother Ben amassing 80 and 63 respectively. Jack hit 9 sixes and Ben 8 in wonderful entertainment for the crowd. Plucky Lifton struggled in reply and were out for 45. Yelverton batted first against Sticklepath with Rich West getting a superb 71 in a total of 121. Sticklepath struggled in reply to 79 all out — Julian Baker top scoring with 28.

Bridestowe also took a liking to Lifton's bowlers getting 127 in their ten overs. Scott Tremaine was not out 43 and M Butler scored 54. Lifton could only reach 73 in reply.

In the first semi-final Tavistock played Yelverton. Yelverton batted first and again Rich West led the way with 47. J Warner with 41 did well and 99 was again respectable. Tavistock struggled in reply and with 17 balls left needed 32. However, a flurry of boundaries from Sean Cleave 62 not out saw Tavistock home. In the second semi-final Lewdown again batted superbly with 140 in their ten overs. The Williams' brothers were the only batsmen — Jack 19, Ben 77 not out and Harry 32 not out put up the score to which Bridestowe could not get on terms with and came up short at 84-5.

The final took place in the only sunshine of the day, Tavistock batted first and Josh Stephens and Sean Daymond led the way with 39 and 50 in an opening stand of 80. Tim Pope with 21 not out kept the momentum going and 144 was a good score.

Unfortunately for Lewdown, their batting did not fire this time and although Ben Williams got 21 they disappointingly slumped to 59 all out — James McGahey 3-6 the best of the bowlers.

Organisers Tavistock Cricket Club thanked Tony Kaminski for sponsoring the popular event, and to the teams and all the helpers for making it such a successful day.