Babbacombe grabbed an early season double over the Ashes in week 7 of the Devon Cricket League as the first team lost out by 137 runs and the 2nd XI went down by 6 wickets.
At Walls Hill, Babbacombe, visiting skipper Ashley Berry won the toss and elected to field on what looked to be one of the hottest days of the season so far. The decision was quickly justified in the first 15 overs though as the hosts slipped to 31-3. Lloyd White run out Mike Pugh with a direct hit from extra cover, whilst openers Tristan Wakefield and Tom Durman both grabbed a wicket each. Wakefield snared Jacvob Hand with a slower ball for 7, caught mid-off by White. Whilst Durman got one to jag back to clean bowl Steve Lewis for 10.
But that was as good as it got for Ashburton as Andy Kingdon and Damon Calland put on 143 for the fourth wicket. Calland was particularly strong down the ground in his knock of 61 whilst Kingdon kept things ticking over at the other end. Getting Calland out was just the start though as Zimbabwean Dean Peal smashed 54 from 16 balls in a match turning whirlwind innings. Kingdon reached his first hundred of the league season with a one bounce through the fine leg region.
Things could have been different though, with Calland dropped on 9 at second slip, whilst Kingdon offered two chances, and Peal a caught and bowled opportunity.
The Ashes reply went off at a canter, and had 84 on the scoreboard at the 15 over mark. The only problem was that they had lost 5 wickets. Tom Durman went for a rapid 24. Lloyd White attempted to continue what Durman started but he saw the loss of Causey, Wakefield, Berry, Coles and Churchill to leave the Chargers in serious trouble, 104-7. White fell caught on the ropes for 30 and there was bits and pieces from Ashley Harvey 22, Chris Yeo 27 and Wakefield 16. Dean Peal was clearly on a high after some lusty hitting with the bat, the seamer ran in to then take 2-32 and was well supported by Sam Powell (3-26), Andrew McVeigh (2-31), and Tim Goodwin (2-50).
Skipper Berry reflected – “Had we taken our catches, then it could have been closer. However, there are still plenty of positives that to take where we controlled parts of the game. Credit to Babbacombe, they got back into the game and got back on top. We look forward to visiting Shaldon next week and getting back on track.”
1st XI Scorecard: http://ashburton.play-cricket.com/website/results/2904382
Marcus West captained the 2nd XI in the abcence of Chris Yeo. He reflected on the loss to Babbacombe 2nd XI:
"What a great performance. Playing unbeaten top of the league Babbacombe, we won the toss and batted first. We paced our innings well against some very tight bowling. Kev Nicksy (42) putting good partnerships together with Buzz Lacey (18) and Russ Lacey (22). We then started to push on with everyone chipping in before Jack Chruchill (32no) and myself (21no) put on 51 in the last 6 overs to set a very competitive 195.
Credit to Babbacombe who out strong and were soon way ahead of the run rate before Jack (1-32) and Russ (2-33) slowed them right down with some excellent bowling and with some outstanding and sharp fielding especially from Tom Rushy (MOTM) behind the sticks meant Babbacombe had to work for their win. I couldn't be prouder of a great team performance with so much character and fight. Really makes me proud to be a Charger. Big thanks to Yabbers for umpiring."
2nd XI Scorecard: http://ashburton.play-cricket.com/website/results/2905916
