Dartington & Totnes II 224 for 6 Plympton III 197 for 8
D&T (19 points) beat Plympton (7 points) by 27 runs
After an excellent victory in the Brockman Cup over Shaldon in mid-week, the second Xi travelled to Gunnislake to play Plympton-at least that’s what they thought! It turned out there had been a mix-up over the venue and after a few frantic phone calls they set off for Yealmpton where the Plympton team were waiting. When they finally arrived, after a total of 2 hours driving, it was agreed to shorten the match to 40 overs per side and D&T had to forfeit the toss and were asked to bat.
Openers Mike Jarvis and John Perkin showed no sign of their far from ideal preparation and gave D&T a fine start, batting beautifully in putting on 77 for the first wicket. Jarvis had had a good week, exceeding 100 runs in total! Both frequently went ‘aerial’ and each hit two sixes. The partnership ended when Jarvis was deceived by a slower delivery from Cooper for 38. Kalon Veale, making his first start for the Club for 20 months was disappointed to be bowled in the same over.
Scott Colegate joined Perkin and the pair added 47 for the third wicket before Perkin (54) was bowled shortly after completing an excellent maiden fifty for the Club. Scott was in fine form and was joined by Neil Colegate(20). The brothers added 47 for the third wicket before Plympton skipper , Jason Degg, found the edge of Neil’s bat and caught and bowled him. Scott was in dominating form and continued to plunder runs scoring one six and 12 fours. He added 35 with Olly Payne whose contribution was just 2. Andy Bligh hit a quick 11 as D&T sailed past the 200 mark with Scott undefeated on 81 when the innings closed.
With a plethora of bowlers in the team D&T were hoping to wrap up the match quickly. Plympton had other ideas and openers Jason Degg and Danny Keller got their innings off to a blistering start, with Degg leading the charge. Andy Bligh and Scott Colegate were bowling in wayward fashion, Colegate’s first over going for 14. The fifty came up in 6 overs and D&T were anxiously looking at the scoreboard, as what had seemed like a big total was rapidly being eroded. Steve Mudge came into the attack and began to exert some control and Colegate finally developed some rhythm. Plympton had 81 on the board by the sixteenth over when Colegate dismissed Keller for 25, Andy Bligh taking a good catch at short mid-wicket.
After drinks Mick Rusling took the vital wicket of Degg for 55 when Andy Bligh, made good ground to take the catch. Keeper Payne appeared to have smartly stumped Cooper off Rusling, but puzzlingly the square leg umpire said he did not see the bails come off! Ed Degg and Cooper continued to push the score along and D&T were relieved when Veale bowled Degg for 22. After this, despite some plucky batting from Plympton’s youngsters it became the ‘Nick Dennis Show’. Dennis bowled a sensational spell taking 5 for 13 in 6 overs . He bowled Cooper for 31 and then took the next four wickets with some marvellous accurate and skilful bowling. D&T needed 2 wickets in the final over for maximum points. Entrusted with the last over Steve Breed was unfortunate when a skied shot just eluded the field but taking 2 wickets in an over was a tall order and D&T were both happy and relieved with the win after some anxious moments in the field.