YELVERTON'S 1st XI managed to get in a reduced over game against Plymouth Civil Service and Roborough at the weekend, and with their main rivals failing to get their games played, extended their lead at the top of the Devon Cricket League D Division table to 21 points.

 It was thanks in the main to the sterling efforts of Groundman Jon Cowsill and some willing volunteers that the fixture was played at all. 

Continued rain and a lack of drying conditions put the match in doubt with the ground saturated on Friday evening and with light drizzle on Saturday morning.

 After extensive mopping up operations, a 3.30pm start and reduced over match to 28 overs per side was agreed with the captains and umpires.  

Batting first, Yelverton posted a more than useful 153-5 with skipper Rich West making a significant contribution of 49, ably assisted by Geoff Brain (32) and Steve Luffman (35). 

Brain and Luffman posted a 64 run partnership for the second wicket and Brain and West added a further 40 for the third wicket.

 In reply, the Civil Service andRobrough reply never really got going against some accurate bowling from James Harrison (1-22) and Iain Cunningham (2-18) and wickets fell at regular intervals. 

Rich West (2-28) and Geoff Brain (2-31) nipped put the middle order with only PCS and R skipper Greg Bridgett offering much resistance with 25, and the reply closed on 103-7 to narrowly claim the 2 points for a losing draw. 

Yelverton took 12 points from the encounter to extend their advantage over second placed Feniton to 21 points.

 Next week Yelverton entertain Feniton in a top of the table clash at Langton Park — 2pm start.

 Yelverton 2nd XI and 3rd XI fixtures were both cancelled due to waterlogged pitches. 

For the 2nd XI it was the 7th cancellation or abandoment in 10 fixtures this soggy cricket season!