Plymstock grind out victory at Budleigh Salterton

PLYMSTOCK bounced back from their first-day defeat at Stoke Gabriel with a gritty two-wicket win over Budleigh Salterton.

- CONRAD SUTCLIFFE

Budleigh's 45-over total of 209 for seven looked well within Plymstock's reach when they were 184 for three in reply with more than eight overs to go.

Skipper Tom Mitch (46) and in-form Josh Sumner (66) appeared to have broken the back of the chase during a partnership that added 142 for the fourth wicket.

It looked less of a certainty four overs later when Plymstock were 188 for seven having lost four wickets for four runs, including two in four balls to Joel Murphy (2-36).

Having seem off Murphy, and Ryan Harris-Cotton (3-27), Plym-stock got over the line with one ball to spare in the final over thanks to a scampered single by Rob Cunningham, whose 20-run partnership with Fraser Cowen (15no) probably made the difference between winning and losing.

Mitch said the manner of the victory was encouraging after the disappointing batting display at Stoke Gabriel.

"It was a good chase that will fill us with lots of confidence going forward," said Mitch.

"A couple of good partnerships a game going forward will put us in a good position."

Budleigh's top six all made 20 or more, but lacked a greater score to build a higher total on.

Sam Whitehead booked 34 not out and Lloyd Murrin was next best with 30.

Tyrese Karelse (2-33) as the only Plymstock bowler to take more than one wicket. Mitch (1-29) and Cowen (1-24) were frugal in the extreme.

"We did very well to restrict Budleigh to just over 200," said Mitch.

"Fraser bowled exactly how I wanted him to, and took a great catch at gully."

IVYBRIDGE skipper Josh Zimmerman didn't lie awake on Saturday night worrying about his side's three-wicket loss against Clyst St George.

Harry Solomon top scored for the B Division newcomers with 57 in a batting-first total of 206 for six.

Clyst had to chase all the way down the order before hitting the winning runs in the second-to-last over.