An unchanged Ashburton 1st team travelled to play a Yelverton side who had been promoted last season.
Skipper Ashley Berry lost the toss and with rain forecast later in the afternoon, the chargers were asked to bat first on a pitch that looked dry and firm. Openers Lloyd White (39) and Jake Pascoe put in 91 in good time and then skipper Berry joined Pascoe as a further 113 was added. Fourteen-year-old Pascoe fell agonisingly short of a maiden Devon League ton as he was dismissed for a fantastically worked 91.
Dan Coles (43no) joined the skipper and the runs continued to flow as the two added a further 126 unbroken as a final total of 330 for 2 was reached in 45 overs, the club's fourth-highest score by the 1st XI in the Devon League.
Skipper Berry finished unbeaten on a superb 105, which was also his maiden Devon League ton for the club.
With rain clouds looming Ashburton opened with spin from either end to try and get through the 20 overs to constitute a match as quickly as possible. Matt Churchill (1 for 37) made an early breakthrough but Yelverton fought back with Ben Grove (58) and Richard Townsend (48) as they reached 104 for 1.
Arun Karthick (3 for 32) broke the partnership with a hostile spell of bowling and then wickets started to tumble as George Marshall (3 for 8) and Will Coon (2 for 19) ran through the remainder.
A stubborn tenth wicket partnership threatened to deny Ashes maximum bowling points and with one over to go Martin Causey was thrown the ball. He duly obliged, uprooting Toby Julyan's off stump and taking the tenth wicket off the final ball of the innings, as Yelverton were all out for 167.
Berry reflected: "It’s been a great start to the season and this was another well-worked team performance. The lads have been giving it everything and enjoying the rewards. But we know we can still improve and won’t be resting on our laurels. I'd also like to thank Megan and Jean Pascoe for scoring - very much appreciated."
1st XI scorecard: http://ashburton.play-cricket.com/website/results/3743542
Shaldon 2's elected to bat on a well prepared Varwell wicket and a rapidly improving outfield.
The Ashes 2's opening bowlers Robin Lambo (4 for 8) & Jerry Crouchy (0 for 19) were tough to get away. They were well backed up by Kirby West (0 for 24), Toby Pascoe (0 for 27) in the middle overs. With Marcus West (1 for 18) and Freddie Harvey (1 for 21) maintaining control, Shaldon were restricted to just 121 for 6 off their 40 overs.
In reply Westy (46) and Skipper Nick Yabsley (24) shared an opening stand of 72. Greg Robinson (32 not out) and Jack Churchill (11 not out) comfortably saw Ashes reach the victory target with almost 8 overs left.
Yabsley reflected on another great win "So, a third straight win, 6 players under 18 in the side and a real feel good factor in the dressing room. Next week we travel to Plympton 3rds where we look to continue our fine start. I'd like to express a real special thanks to Alan Churchy for preparing the wicket, and Stephen Hulsey for umpiring."
2nd XI scorecard: http://ashburton.play-cricket.com/website/results/3744138
