Ashburton first team travelled to play a struggling Babbacombe side on Saturday and, after losing the toss, were asked to bat on a wicket that was soaking wet after some rain that lead to a delayed start and reduced the match to 36 overs per side.
After dipping to 43 for 3 skipper Ash Berry (29) and Arun Karthick rebuilt the innings with an excellent partnership of 67. Steve Edmonds (20) chipped in with a fine cameo before wickets tumbled towards the end in the dash for runs. Karthick was eventually dismissed for a well made 50 off of just 47 balls as Ashes were all out for 150 with 8 balls of their innings remaining. Tim Goodwin took 3 for 24 for the hosts.
Edmonds (6.1 overs, 2 for 8) then made an early breakthrough with the ball but Goodwin (13) and Andrew McVeigh (26) took the score to 38 without any further mishap. Matt Coon was then introduced into the attack and dismissed both on his way to fine figures of 6 overs, 5 wickets for just 6 runs as the Babbacombe top order crumbled. Will Coon (3 for 27) assisted from the other end as Babbacombe were all out for just 75 with nearly 10 overs of their innings remaining.
After the game skipper Berry said "The guys will tell you that I have been horrible at winning a toss this year and there was no exception this week. But once again, we played some very good cricket, firstly to bat patiently and get a total on a wet track, and then to bowl some very good areas. Particularly Matt who got an excellent 5-fer. It was also great to give young Felix Partridge his debut cap as well and I have no doubt he'll be one for the future.".
Matt Coon who picked up 5 wickets for just 6 runs against Babbacombe on Saturday
Ashburton second team entertained Bridestowe seconds needing a win to give themselves some breathing space from the three relegation spots at the bottom of F division West.
After winning the toss and bowling they dismissed Bridestowe for 123. Bridestowe opener Johnny Knight (54no) carried his bat but the only other notable support came from Lee Jutson (26). Robin Lambert (8 overs, 3 for 8), Gordon Colwill (7 overs, 4 for 26) and Chris Yeo (7 overs, 2 for 18) the main wicket getters. There were also two catches and a stumping for wicket keeper Tom Rush.
Ashburton then lost two early wickets in reply before Yeo (69no) and Rush (38no) ensured there were no further scares as Ashes won by 8 wickets.