Seconds maintain 100% record: Glenn and Alex star.

Dartington & Totnes II 149 all out Babbacombe Corinthians II 73 all out.

D&T (17 points) beat Babbacombe (5 points) by 76  runs

Dartington & Totnes’ second XI maintained their 100 per cent record in a game in which each team’s fortunes fluctuated,  and though the ultimate margin of victory was emphatic, there were times when D&T were under the cosh.

Put in to bat in overcast conditions D&T got off to a disastrous start on a slow pitch with Dave Stubbs (4 for 33) causing the damage   Kalon Veale, a fine cricketer, failed to score for the second week running and Mike Jarvis managed just 2 runs. Neil and Gavin Colegate rallied briefly both scoring 12.  Neil played too soon at a delivery from Ben Passmore and got a top edge, whilst Gavin became Stubbs’ 3rd victim -all falling to catches.  At 32 for 4, D&T were staring down the barrel of a gun but Steve Mackinlay and Andy Bligh rallied.   Mackinlay looked a class act and wasn’t afraid to be aggressive- his first scoring shot was a straight driven six.  However, after hooking a four he was caught at point for 24 in Stubbs’ final over.   Bligh batted well until bowled by Pym for 18.   Dennis was then run out for 1 and D&T were rocking on 86 for 7.

Alex Hartridge, playing his first game of the season, batted beautifully playing some fine shots through the gaps in the field. He and Glenn Colegate added 33 for the 8th wicket before Hartridge was dismissed for 30.  Mick Rusling joined Colegate and dug in for ten overs. The pair added 24 runs, with Colegate doing most of the scoring before Rusling(6) lost his discipline and holed out to point.  Colegate batted very well, punishing any loose delivery.  With a third batting point agonisingly close, last man, Steve Breed, had a big hoick and was bowled by Dom Passmore, leaving Glenn Colegate undefeated on 31.  Colegate top-scored and played a crucial role in his team reaching a half decent total.

The sun was now shining and after tea  Babbacombe came out with all guns blazing. Stubbs and Rob Redding‘s strategy was simple- take a huge swing at every delivery.  It was an enthralling battle with Dennis and Hartridge bowling with pace and skill.   Babbacombe’s tactic seemed to be working a treat as they got off to a flying start. They were happy to take on the fielders and several aerial shots were close to being caught.  Hartridge (2 for 27) got the breakthrough, bowling first Redding for 11 and then the dangerous Stubbs for 24. At 43 for 2, after 7 overs, Babbacombe were well placed but the run rate dropped and Dennis bowled Stanton for 4. The game now swung back into D&Ts favour.  Glenn Colegate (3 for 10) and Rusling (2 for 13) came into the attack and the parsimonious pair conceded only 23 runs in 18 overs, breaking the back of Babbacombe’s batting in the process.  D&T fielded brilliantly, giving nothing away and taking some excellent catches.   Babbacombe skipper, Mabbutt with 20 was their only other player to reach double figures.  Nick Dennis (3 for21) came back for a second spell and quickly finished the job off, taking 2 quick wickets.  It had been a fine team performance and put the team in good heart for next week’s home match against Clyst St George.

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