A MONTH is a long time in cricket — members and supporters of the Tavistock Club must feel this as they survey the Devon League tables this week

A month ago the club's first team found itself slumped near the bottom of the league's B division. Now, with the season entering its second half, they occupy third place, and the talk is all of promotion.

A good deal of the credit for this transformation must go to skipper Steve Luffman, who, since his return to his old stamping-ground at the Ring at the beginning of the season, has scored heavily and consistently.

He was in the runs again on Saturday, scoring 109 on the visit to Shobrooke Park, one of the two clubs ahead of Tavistock in the table.

His contribution, and that of Simon Crawford, stranded on 99 not out when the innings closed, helped the visitors to a total of 243 for 2.

The target was always beyond Shobrooke, who had reached 128 for 6 when stumps were drawn

For Tavistock, Andy Gauler took 3 for 17, and Tshepo Legodi 2 for 10.

A haul of 14 points for a winning draw against one of the better teams in the competition was a useful return on the afternoon's work.

Saturday will provide a real test of whether the recent improvement is sustainable. Top-of-the-table Axminster will be the visitors at the Ring in a clash that could prove crucial for both sides. The Bedford Hotel is sponsoring the game.

The second eleven extended their successful run with a home victory over Plymouth Civil Service by 4 wickets.

The visitors were dismissed for 187, Paul Tomkies, John Rich and Mike Crocker taking 3 wickets each.

Tomkies then opened the batting scoring 31 to add to his 3 for 13 with the ball, and thus turning in an excellent all-round performance. His opening stand with Clive Johns realised 67, the latter hitting 2 sixes and 3 fours in his 33.

Further significant contributions from Dave Jeffery, Steve Johns, and Maurice Craze brought the side to the edge of a victory that was finally secured when John Rich cleared the boundary with 6 overs and 4 wickets to spare.

A home fixture against tourists Kenton Cricket Club next Wednesday, in a match sponsored by Potter Baker accountants, will provide the next run-out for the club's sprightly mid-week eleven.

The County Cup clash with Cornwood, which fell victim to the weather last weekend, has been rescheduled for this Sunday at home.