Ashburton first team travelled to Bridestowe looking to bounce back from their first defeat of the season the previous week. Skipper Ash Berry won the toss and elected to bat on a decent looking strip.
Chris Lavis and Gary Sizmur bowled excellent opening spells and with plenty of uneven bounce Ashes found runs hard to come by and were reduced to 27 for 3. Dan Coles (10) and Arun Karthick (21) added 39 but when both were dismissed in quick succession Ashes were wobbling at 68 for 5. Chris Pascoe (39) rebuilt the innings with a fine knock and was well supported by Matt Churchill (29) as 55 runs were added for the seventh wicket. Will Coon (27no) and Chris Yeo (14no) provided some lusty blows towards the end as Ashes closed on 209 for 9 in their 45 overs, a total which looked very unlikely at one stage. Eddy Jones (4 for 49) was the pick of the home bowlers.
Bridestowe's reply started positively as they raced to 47 without loss as Sizmur (33) and Jones (19) despatched anything loose. Steve Edmonds (9 overs, 1 for 25) accounted for Jones and then Matt Churchill was introduced into the attack, dismissed Sizmur and ran through the middle order on his way to fine figures of 9 overs, 5 for 22 as Bridestowe struggled against the turning ball. Only Ian Jutson (27no) stood firm as Bridestowe were all out for 149 with 8.5 overs remaining. Will Coon was the pick of the other bowlers with 2 for 40.
After the game skipper Berry said "This was a genuine team effort with some excellent individual performances. The lower order batted superbly with Chris Pascoe and Will Coon partnering Matt Churchill who went on to grab a 5-fer and take it away from Bridestowe. Whilst I acknowledge we still weren't at our best, we showed our depth as a team today and it's an asset that can hold us in good stead for the rest of the season.".
Matt Churchill - 29 and 9 overs, 5 for 22
Ashburton seconds entertained Chagford first team. Skipper Nick Yabsley won the toss and elected to field. Both Chagford openers rode their luck and the ball would not go to hand as 133 runs were added for the first wicket. Eventually Ashes luck changed and with the bowlers and fielders sticking to their task well 133 for 0 became 202 all out. Greg Robinson (3 for 17), Freddie Harvey (3 for 30), Kirby West (2 for 29) and Marcus West (2 for 35) the wicket takers. All the bowlers showed character under pressure and were well backed up in the field with 6 catches being taken, 2 each for Greg Robinson and Tony Lacey and 1 each for youngsters Toby Pascoe and Harvey Field.
Ashburton's reply started badly as both openers were dismissed cheaply. Robinson (22) and Lacey (32) stabilised the innings but when they were dismissed only Kirby West (10no) made any significant headway as Ashes finished on 109 for 9 after their 40 overs.