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15:00 - 22-July-2008
Bottom side Barum were without a win prior to Saturday's trip to Plymouth Civil Service.
But a timely five-wicket win over the fellow strugglers has lifted Shaun Cole's men out of the bottom two . . . and pushed Civil to the foot of the table.
Home skipper Phil Bayliss declared on 226-5 in the hope of condemning Barum to another defeat.
Opener Paul Maloney had been their danger man until he was stumped by Martin Collier for a 79 which included eleven 4s.
Brady Saunders (1-55), Michael Clarke (1-58) and Mark Metters (1-25) accounted for the first three batsmen, while two run-outs put Plymouth on 206-5.
Twenty more runs followed, before Bayliss opted for the pavilion after 44 overs.
Barum looked determined to make the most of their over-increase, and quickly raced to 51-0 until losing Ross Burbidge for 17.
Fellow opener Lee Cole, though, struck a majestic 78 and played a part in a fifth wicket stand of 62 with Tom Popham (48no) which took the visitors within touching distance of the win.
After Cole was dismissed by Dave Bayliss – who later left the field with a broken hand – Metters picked up the momentum and hit an unbeaten 14 to seal the win.
Over at Westward Ho! Bideford proved they can be a match for anyone in the B Division on their day.
Clyst St George arrived at the Pebble Ridge with real promotion intentions, but left nursing their wounds after suffering a 78-run defeat.
Aussie Mick Warne has claimed more than his fair share of wickets this season, but this time he decided to take charge with the bat.
His unbeaten 57 was backed up by contributions from James Ford (55) and Chris Luxton (28) as the hosts posted a challenging 228-6.
After tea he returned to take 2-24, while Luxton went one better and claimed 3-20.
But the pick of the bowlers was Pete Waterman, whose miserly 4-20 ensured Clyst were sent packing for just 150.
Up in the Premier, North Devon had to settle for yet another draw against Budleigh Salterton – their sixth of the campaign.
Bob Dawson's unbeaten 104 ensured the hosts had their work cut out at Instow and, with Steve Spoljaric (57) and Rob Newman (54) adding half centuries, Budleigh racked up a commanding 305-5 in their 50 overs.
After tea, North Devon openers Neil Bettiss (86) and Rob Gear (66) went for the jugular with an opening stand of 142 which ended when Gear was dismissed by Newman.
Budleigh skipper Ian Bishop later claimed the prized scalp of Bettiss, before giving his troops a real advantage with two quick wickets to send Stewart Rhodes (11) and Mike Hedden (10) home.
An encouraging 142-1 had now become 197-6 thanks to premature exits for Rob Ayre and Warren Miller – both back in the pavilion for ducks thanks to Newman.
Martin Gear stuck around though, and his unbeaten 43 was later added to by promising youngster Jas Kalsi (12no) to give North Devon the stability they needed to bat out their 50 overs.
They closed on 257-7, and banked nine points for a losing share of the draw.
In the A Division, a phenomenal display of bowling brought about Braunton's downfall against Barton at the Kesley Ground.
Pakistani Aqeel Ahmed claimed a stunning 8-8 to wipe out the hosts for just 99 as they chased a visiting total of 146.
Ahmed's spell also included six no balls and, as a result of his spin-wizardry, only three Braunton batsmen – Mark Johnston (29), Tom Mitcham (12) and Colin Hack (14) – were able to make double figures.
Earlier, Andy Paddison had done his own damage with the ball, with a haul of 4-22 that included three of Barton's opening four.
Opener Jack Porter was the key dismissal – he went lbw for 34 before James Toms knocked 22 and Ahmed added a further 20 down the order.
Hatherleigh got back on the winning track in the D Division, beating strugglers Ipplepen by five wickets.
They got to work quickly and skittled out their opponents for just 120 in less than 40 overs – Rob Fishleigh (3-29), Mark Lake (3-33) and Simon Gillespie (2-29) leading the way.
Sean Forrester (45) and Graham Bryant (25) then knocked off the routine runs to keep Hatherleigh in fourth.
In the Second XI League, the Overton twins joined forces to help North Devon 2nds claim a draw down at Budleigh Salterton.
Craig took 2-24 to back up James Starkey's 4-44 as the hosts chalked up 254-9, before Jamie took over with the bat to crack a fine 76.
It wasn't enough to spur the visitors on to a win though – they closed on 207-7 to take 11 points from the losing pot of the draw.
Hatherleigh 2nds went on a run-rampage as they brushed aside Axminster by five wickets.
Michael Cooper led the way with 74, while Dan Payne carried his bat for an unbeaten 68 in a splendid total of 305-5 that completed a marvellous run-chase. Earlier Axminster had declared on a tough-looking 301-5.
Dan Brierley (41), Danny Donovan (39) and Dave Loder (32) hit the runs that help Barnstaple & Pilton 2nds claiming a winning draw against Plymouth Civil Service.
Their knocks helped construct a total of 187-5, and Civil were held to 155-6 under fire from Steve Moore (3-19).
Darren Wilcox (4-45) and Ian Hayter (3-42) were unable to save Bideford 2nds from defeat against Clyst St George.
The hosts posted 205 and, despite a 33no from Josh King and a 19 from Hayter, Bideford were toppled for 101.
Chris Brigden was also unlucky to be on the losing side when his superb 6-22 reaped no reward for Braunton 2nds.
Despite helping to hold Axminster 3rds to 172-8, Braunton couldn't find the runs in reply – Jack Spicer top-scored with 18no as they stuttered to 68.
HIGH FIVES: Braunton celebrate the run-out of Barton batsman Adam Parker at the Kesley Ground. The celebrations didn't last though – the South Devon visitors won by 47 runs. Mike Southon 0807-125_02
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