Devon B

Tavistock firsts v Ipplepen

TAVISTOCK made light work of Ipplepen on Saturday as they make their final push for promotion.

Ipplepen travelled to the Ring in fourth place, one behind Tavistock going into the game but the result that followed did not reflect their league positions.

The away side won the toss and decided to bat first, a decision that they would come to regret.

Tavistock’s opening bowlers, Dylan Aucamp and Charlie Barriball started the game excellently. Aucamp removed David Harris for 0 with just the third ball of the game. Adam Peters and Mawgan Penrice rebuilt for the away side but their 24-run stand was broken when Peters edged Charlie Barriball behind to Dave Manning for 12. Their partnership would be the biggest of the away sides innings. Barriball picked up his second wicket soon after and Aucamp then removed Penrice for 15, leaving the away side 31-4.

Tavistock captain Shaun Daymond then turned to spin, bringing Sean Cleave and himself on to bowl. The pitch offered a lot for the spinners and the Ipplepen batsmen were unable to adjust.

Cleave removed the away team’s captain, Sam Wakeham in his first over. It got worse for the away side, Daymond took the second hat-trick at the Ring in the last two games, removing Jack Wylie for 7 and then Ben Forsey and Will Gornall for golden ducks. Marcus Green battled for his team but was running out of batting partners and had to play some shots. He was the last man to go for 22, caught in the deep off the bowling of Cleave and the away side were all out for 72.

Tavistock got their run chase underway knowing that the away side were going to have to attack if they stood any chance of getting a result. Ipplepen did get early breakthroughs though, Ian Gray went for just 3 and James White was bowled for 9 leaving the home side 23-2.

Any nerves were soon put to bed though, Billy Barriball and Dave Manning looked to get the game done in a hurry and the pair put on 43 before Billy was out lbw to Paul Thomas. Manning hit the winning runs a few overs later as he finished unbeaten on 28 and Tavistock are now 27 points behind Abbotskerswell in second place, who they face next week in a huge game at the top.

A Tavistock win next weekend will mean Abbotskerswell will have to win their final game of the season against Ipplepen but if Tavistock lose, their push for promotion will be over and Abbotskerswell will be promoted.

Tavistock win.