Ashburton first team entertained Shaldon on Saturday. After losing the toss and being asked to field on a decent looking pitch Tom Higgs bowled an excellent first spell of 5 overs that conceded just 18 runs. He was well supported by Chris Yeo ( 7 overs, 1 for 41) who picked up an early wicket.
Robin Lambert (9 overs, 2 for 51) and Matt Churchill (9 overs, 3 for 66) took wickets in the middle overs and at 111 for 5 the game was evenly poised. However a fine partnership of 75 took the game away from Ashes and with Will Coon forced to leave the field after taking a painful blow on the foot from a return drive (x-rays on Sunday confirmed it is broken) Ashes were forced to field the last third of the game with just ten players as Shaldon racked up an imposing 279 for 7 in their 45 overs.
In reply Ashes lost regular wickets as only Lloyd White (44) and Chris Yeo (24) offered meaningful resistance and they were all out for 95 with 16.5 overs remaining.
Ashes's skipper Ashley Berry said after the game "It was a tough day at the office. We did really well to restrict them to 111 for 5 but then we missed a couple of chances and they took advantage. Having Will limp off was a big blow and we wish him well for a speedy recovery".
Ashburton two's travelled with ten players after a late withdrawal and did well in the field to restrict Yelverton two's to 221 for 3 in their 40 overs. Marcus West, Jake Pascoe and Mike Davies with the wickets.
West (34) and Jake Pascoe then opened up with a fine stand of 65 and when last week's centurion Chris Pascoe was dismissed cheaply, Tony "Buzz" Lacey joined Jake Pascoe and together the pair added a further 153 runs to win the game off of the final delivery. Lacey finished 79 not out and Jake Pascoe 62 not out, his first league half century at the age of thirteen.
On Sunday a first outing of the season for the development X1 saw five under 15's in the team to face Stoke Fleming. The team also saw 3 father son combinations with Haddrell, Gillies and West families having both younger and older generations playing together. Men’s debuts were handed to Dylan Haddrell and Adam Nye both of whom applied themselves to the game superbly. Batting first Stoke were made to work hard as the young Chargers applied themselves well fielding and bowling with composure and concentration supported by the more senior players. Stoke were pegged back early thanks to superb work from Dylan Haddrell and Tom Rush bringing around a run out early in the innings. Skipper White(1-34) and veteran West (2-21) then took important wickets to break a well settled partnership before Adam Nye (1-18) took his first ever men’s wicket. Stoke closing on 269-5. The reply from the Chargers saw all 11 batsmen contribute runs. The early part of the innings being built around Dan Coles (56). West (55) then marshalled the middle order and was well supported by Toby Cowdry as well as Duncan and Dylan Haddrell before Pat Gillies made double figures to support son Oscar in an entertaining partnership. AJ West and Nye ensured the Chargers batted the full 40 overs as the Chargers closed on 185-9. A great showing from all. Lloyd White picked out Adam Nye as man of the match for his first men’s wicket.
