Ottery St Mary hosted Ashburton on Saturday, as a warm-up for the Devon Cricket League mini-season, where Skipper Berry lost the toss and were put in the field. Ottery Skipper Alex Clements was quickly into his stride and was the main anchor of the innings, quickly onto anything short from the Ashburton attack. 15-year-old Charlie Towers took the first wicket of the summer with a ball that nipped back and kept a little low to remove opener Eddie Rudolph for just 7. His spell of 2/18 from his 7 overs was a real positive and he looks certain to play a prominent role for the Chargers this summer. He was supported by a controlled spell from Jerry Crouch (2/34), Jake Pascoe (2/23) and Matt Churchill (2/24). Clements was finally out for 92, caught on the ropes by the diving Lloyd White off Pascoe.
In reply, openers Lloyd White & Jake Pascoe made a steady start, quickly chalking up 40 on the board, until White chased a wide delivery and was caught behind. Pascoe continued until he too was caught at mid-off. Skipper Berry and Chris Pascoe both looked solid and made 26 each leaving 70 from the last 15 overs. A late flurry of wickets then came as the Chargers had a go left the side 63 runs short.
Berry reflected; “A bit of rust to shake off for some of us, but that’s what it’s all about. Now we look forward to our mini league against three good sides. The big point is to make sure we enjoy our Saturdays. That’s been our main ethos for the last couple of years, but is emphasised even more during crazy times like this”
Ashburton visited Sampford Peverell & Tiverton Cricket Club on Sunday where the young attack prevailed in a cracking game, by just 33 runs. Having won the toss, Nick Yabsley opted to bat on what looked an even wicket with the sun shining. Phil Pascoe and Dan Coles made a solid start to the innings, putting on 65. Coles was then adjudged LBW for 17 but the Pascoe run-fest continued as he retired on 54 with a huge six over extra cover. George Marshall (39) and 15-year-old Felix Partridge (36*) both batted patiently, ensuring they put the bad balls away whilst son of Phil, Toby Pascoe scored a quickfire 20, to get the Chargers up to a respectable 191/4 from their 40 overs.
The SP&T reply never really got going as they lost wickets at regular intervals. Kirkby West came on as first change and produced a devastating spell of left-arm spin, removing the dangerous Lee Hooper. West also removed Richard Pugsley (25) and Lewis Hough (13) to leave SP&T reeling at 77/4. Brother AJ picked off the other opener, Lock for 16 and George Marshall produced a controlled spell of 2/24 alongside tidy overs from brothers Luke and Toby - leaving the hosts 33 runs short with three wickets left intact come the end of their 40 overs.
Reflecting on the game, skipper Nick Yabsley said; "What a fantastic start to our season. A really good friendly game of cricket played in great spirits. I am incredibly proud of our young attack and the future certainly looks bright. We just can't wait to get going vs Lustleigh at the weekend."