Ashburton 1st XI continued their fine momentum by thrashing Kingsbridge by 114 runs. Skipper Ash Berry won the toss on what looked a firm, but green wicket and opted to bat.
The decision was instantly questioned as opener Dan Coles was adjudged LBW to James Rosewarne for just 1. Skipper Berry joined fellow opener Lloyd White to steady the ship and the pair put on a stand worth 116 for the second wicket. The stand ended when White was given out LBW for 61 which included 8 fours and one maximum. Berry continued in imperious fashion and anchored the innings – giving the likes of Tristan Wakefield (26), Ash Harvey (18) and Martin Causey (13) a licence to play positive cricket whilst Berry kept things ticking along at the other end.
Berry was eventually run out for a run short of what would have been a deserved century – attempting to get back in his crease at the death of the innings. Ashburton ending on 243 for 6 from their allocated 45 overs.
The Kindsbridge reply got off to the worst possible start when Ash Harvey took a smart catch at first slip to remove the dangerous James Westlake – Tristan Wakefield providing the out-swinging delivery which found the edge. Dom Durman then bowled fellow opener James Ford for 3 to leave the hosts reeling at 24-2. Freddie Ford (23) and Ashley Treeby (22) staged the start of the fightback but Harvey had other ideas as he spun his way to 4-29 in the middle overs to seal the fate of the game.
Matt Chruchill, Will Coon and the experienced Dean Topping all took a wicket each to mop up the tail and leave Elliot Bradbury stranded on 26 not out. With only three players getting to into the 20’s and extras next best with 18, the hosts were all out for 129.
Berry reflected; "We have played some excellent cricket over the past month to put us in a really good position. Whatever happens Saturday, I am extremely proud of how the guys have gone about things - that said, the momentum and form is with us and if we continue performing like we have then we won't go too far wrong."
Just 6 points continue to separate Babbacombe and Ashburton who meet this coming Saturday at Varwell Field in what has been deemed a title decider. With three games to play, it is all to play for.
The 2nd XI fell 61 runs short at home to visiting Brixham. Stand in skipper Tony Lacey won the toss and elected to bowl on a pitch that would assist the decision.
Russ Lacey the stand out performer with the ball taking 4-36 – supported by Jack Churchill 3-18, Jamie Towers 2-20, Jerry Crouch 1-36 whilst Robin Lambo was unlucky not to pick up any wickets in his spell of 0-20.
The reply was based around three innings – the only three to get into double figures – Chris Pascoe’s 14 – Tom Rush’s 15 and extras helping out with 19 as the hosts were all out for just 75. Geoff Brittain doing much of the damage with 5-14.