Ashburton first team travelled to play Paignton second team needing a victory to keep their Devon League C Division West promotion hopes alive.
Skipper Ashley Berry won the toss and elected to bowl, however Paignton made a good start with Mark Orchard and Brenton Pedley adding 106 for the opening wicket before Tom Higgs (1 for 31) broke the stand by bowling Pedley for 36.
Matt Churchill (2 for 22) slowed the rate in the middle overs and when George Yabsley (2 for 52) returned for his second spell and dismissed Orchard for 90 at 166 for 4 with 7 overs remaining, Ashes had hopes of keeping Paignton to a total around 200. Cole McFarland had other ideas as he smashed a rapid 56 to lead Paignton to a final total of 237 for 7 in their 45 overs. Steve Edmonds (2 for 68) picking up a couple of wickets at the death.
Openers Jake Pascoe (32) and George Yabsley (13) made a steady start adding 32 but when Pascoe was third out with the score on 65 Ashes looked up against it. Dan Coles and Lloyd White (13) took the score to 109 for 3 and with 18 overs left it was game on. Two quick wickets then swung the game back Paignton's way and when Coles was 6th out for 43 no other batsman managed to reach double figures as Ashburton were all out for 154 in the 39th over losing by 83 runs.
After the game Berry said "A disappointing result but fair play to Paignton, they played very well. Two games to go - we'll still give it everything and see where we are.".
Link to scorecard - https://www.play-cricket.com/website/results/4137327
Ashburton second team entertained Chudleigh seconds and, after losing the toss, were invited to bat first. They reached 160 for 7 in their 40 over allocation lead by skipper Phil Pascoe who made 55. Jack Warren (33), Luke Pascoe (17) and Toby Pascoe (12) all chipped in with useful runs.
Chudleigh paced their reply well reaching the target for the loss of 6 wickets in the final over. Jake Bartram (3 for 29) was the pick of the Ashburton bowlers and there were also wickets for Robin Lambert (8 overs, 1 for 7), Niall Kemp (1 for 22) and Ashton West (1 for 22).
Link to scorecard - https://www.play-cricket.com/website/results/4138169
Link to match photos (credit Julian Preston) - https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?vanity=julian.preston.14&set=a.10159323296442357
Second eleven captain Phil Pascoe on his way to 55 versus Chudleigh seconds (credit Julian Preston)
Ashburton Sunday X1 welcomed touring side Charterhouse CC for a friendly on Sunday. The Chargers were asked to bat first and their innings very much centred around a fine 73 from Lloyd White who was ably supported by Jack Warren (29) as they put on 110 for the 3rd wicket. With everyone chipping in a few runs, the Chargers posted a very respectable 179 all out off of their 35 overs.
Charterhouse started well and with plenty of luck. Jake Bartram and Luke Pascoe bowling well and finding plenty of edges, but the wet ball meant their efforts went without reward. With Charterhouse set at 87 without loss, the introduction of AJ West (4-31) and Jack Warren (5-29) turned the game on its head. AJ removing both openers to reach 30 wickets for the season and Jack taking his first 5-fer for the club thanks to 3 fine catches from Luke Pascoe at cover. When AJ took a spectacular juggling catch inches off the floor to finish the innings Charterhouse were all out for 160.
A great team effort and result and a very enjoyable and memorable afternoon yet again show casing the young talent the club has coming through.
Pictured left to right - AJ West, Luke Pascoe and Jack Warren.