Match report 15.6.24, by George Yabsley
A sizeable journey down the A38 awaited the first XI in week 7, as they faced the Yelverton Bohemians. Yelverton had a rather mixed start to the season, but did edge past title contenders Cornwood last week, so they would be no pushovers. Recent wet weather hampered proceedings, and the two sides would commence a reduced overs game at 2pm once the wicket had dried out.
After losing the toss and being put into bat, Yelverton came out of the blocks quickly with the first two overs going for 10 runs. Despite Mike Lemmings being dismissed by a smart Ash Berry catch at mid-wicket, Ashburton struggled to make meaningful breakthroughs and the home side brought up the 100 in good time.
Frustratingly for Ashburton, variable bounce and what seemed like favourable bowling conditions failed to disrupt Yelverton’s partnership making. All of Yelverton’s top order were able to make respectable totals, and the Chargers saw many lofted shots land safely.
Bittu bowled dutifully, picking up 2 wickets for 38 and with the help of Chris Yeo, managed to pick off some of the middle order. Matt Coon returning for a second spell helped himself to a couple more, and Yelverton eventually finished their innings on 200-9, leaving Ashburton with a challenging but achievable chase.
It was Edmonds and Yabsley to kick off Ashburton’s reply once more. Edmonds, following a magnificent innings last week, edged to second slip in the third over, but a Berry and Yabsley partnership looked promising. Alas, it wasn’t to be. Berry was dismissed for 18 closely followed by Yabsley for 27, and Ashburton found themselves 57-3.
Ashburtons hopes now lay with Lloyd White and Bittu. Although boasting a capable tailend, the chargers felt that if their skipper and overseas talisman remained at the crease, they were in with a chance. But Yelverton bowled well, and the runs were drying up. Bittu was caught off the glove and White followed for a valiant 24. From then on Chris Yeo (16) could only delay the inevitable and Ashburton fell short by 52 runs.
White reflected "A tricky day for us. The delayed start on a wet wicket meant whoever won the toss would have bowled first, however, the wicket seemed to play better when slightly damp and when it started to dry out conditions suited the way Yelverton bowled. We bowled way too many four balls and four of our top five got starts, yet no one kicked on - and you don't win many games by getting the basics wrong. Credit to Yelverton, and in particular Chris Cotterell (groundsman and umpire) who worked so hard to get the game on for us."
A disappointing and frustrating day in the dirt for the Chargers, with a tough fixture against Ivybridge awaiting them next week.
Ashburton 2nd XI hosted Yelverton 2nd XI this week. After winning the toss skipper Phil Pascoe elected to bowl first, writes AJ West.
Opening the batting for Yelverton was Matt Smith and Lee Johns. Starting down the hill for Ashburton was Rob Lambert (Lambo). The first ball was a high fall toss that was creamed towards Steve Reynolds who unfortunately failed to hold on. From the other end opening the bowling was Marcus West (Westy) (0 for 21off 8). After 8 overs Lambo (0 for 18 off 4) was replaced by Matt Partridge to try and break the opening partnership. After no luck and 16 overs having passed the bowlers at both ends were replaced.
Now coming down the hill was George Marshall who with the last ball of his 1st over took the wicket of Matt Smith (27) with the visitors scoring 69 for the first wicket. At the other end was AJ West who got the wicket of Lee Johns (38) 2 balls later. In his next over George (2 for 33 off 8) dismissed the Yelverton captain Fred Smale (9) leaving the visitors 78 for 3. Ashburton then failed to capitalize on this as multiple catches then went down allowing the Yelverton batters Martin Goff and Lee Fosket to build a new partnership.
Jack Lewis (1 for 24 off 4) was who finally broke this partnership along with an amazing catch from Nat Wood diving forward to get Marting Goff for 33. To finish Matt Partridge and AJ West came back on to bowl. Matt (1 for 48 off 8) dismissed Matt Smale (4) and AJ (3 for 23 off 8) dismissed both Lee Foskett (38) and Clive Parsons (7). Yelverton finished on 172 for 7.
To open for Ashburton were Phil Pascoe and AJ West hoping to build a steady base for the later batters to come in and give it a hit. Unfortunately, this was not to be as Phil Pascoe was dismissed for a run a ball 7 off the bowling of Archie Chown in the 2nd over. Westy was next in. AJ and Westy then built a slow and steady partnership of 89 runs before AJ was dismissed for a personal best score of 37.
The hosts needed 76 off 13.4 overs when Matt Partridge came to the crease. With runs being scored at a steady rate and wickets falling on occasion (Westy 49, Jack Lewis 7 and George Marshall 1) this meant with less than 2.1 overs to go and 6 runs needed it was Ashburton's game to lose which is exactly what happened. Matt Partridge (23) was ran out by Greg Robinson (21) who got out next ball. Then Rich Shears and Nat both got ducks before Steve Reynolds (2) got out on the last ball with Rob Lambert not out on 1.
After the game Phil said “Well done today team, sadly we came up just 2 runs short. Once again we fielded and bowled well and some highlights in the batting. AJW pb today, dependable Westy, just 1 short of yet another 50. Jack Lewis, great batting and running, once again and Greg thins time with Matt for getting us back on track and within touching distance of the victory. Well done all, next week home again”
Scorecard - Ashburton CC (play-cricket.com)
Highlights: https://youtu.be/KNGTDrUEuRM?si=I0bLpf-zkwfPiDk3
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