Post date: Aug 9, 2015 9:31:39 PM
Bridestowe closed the gap on D&T at the top of C(West) to 15 points with a 10 wicket thumping of Ashburton. Captain Mark Butler won the toss and chose to bowl first with the aim being to get the job done quickly. Things started well as both Gary Sizmur and Tom Fogerty bowled accurate opening spells which troubled both opening batsman. It didn't take long until Fogerty had his first victim as Coon went back to pull and chopped on. Fogerty (3-12) then got another 2 wickets as first Causey chipped one to Dan Fogerty at short cover and then overseas McLennan edged to James Ewen at first slip. A brilliant direct hit run out from Tom brought another wicket but Dark (34) rebuilt the innings well and was able to punish anything short. Ashes were getting themselves back into contention until another flurry of wickets to Dan Fogerty (3-19) meant that they were in deep trouble at 63-6. Dan got good bounce and carry, as well as appreciable turn from his off-cutter which was too hot to handle for Ashburton's middle order. There were some lusty blows from the bowling of Lavis and Jopling which pushed the score towards 100. Gary got the breakthrough as he picked up a sharp caught behind by Mark Fogerty standing up. Debutant Ben Luck (1-19) had Coon (24) safely caught by Lavis and Jopling produced another direct hit run out to remove Mole (27) to close the innings on a below-par 125.
The Bridestowe openers wasted no time in chasing the target down, both Tom Fogerty and Gary Sizmur looked untroubled at the crease, and despatched any loose balls to the fence. The outfield gave value for shots which allowed the pair to race along at around a run a ball without being overly aggressive. Gary (67no) reached his half-century first with a late cut which flew to the boundary. Tom (50no) brought his fifty with a six soon after and with 99 for Belstone on Sunday is beginning to hit some serious form. None of the Ashes bowlers were able to tie the openers down and the target was reached in only the 18th over of the innings, no wickets down. Credit to Ashburton, they kept their heads up until the end of the game, after having a difficult season so far. Bridestowe's last three games are Chagford (away), Dartington & Totnes (away) and Plymouth CS & Roborough (home), and they must win all three to guarantee a play-off place, with the league title still being a possibility.