Tavistock climb out of the bottom two

The survival hopes of Tavistock CC in the A Division of the Tolchards Devon Cricket League were given a major boost after an impressive seven-wicket triumph over Thorverton.

Tavvy opted to place their visitors into bat first and it soon proved a top decision, with Tumelo Yeki claiming the wicket of Luke Vukusic for a duck. Tim Swanepoel joined the party with two more quick wickets and William Barriball trapped Jack Geraghty leg before, as Thorverton limped to 28-4.

A partnership of 32 briefly gave the visitors some hope but that disappeared with an almighty collapse from the tail, which saw Thorverton slump from 60-4 to 84 all out. Barriball ended with outstanding figures of 3-7.

Although Barriball and his opening partner, Steve Luffman, fell cheaply, a solid 39 not out from David Manning was more than enough for Tavvy to reach the paltry target inside 17 overs.

The result means Tavvy jumped out of the bottom two and they have a big opportunity to build a bigger cushion when travelling to bottom club Clyst St George on Saturday, 22nd July. It is a game they will feel is a must-win, particularly with league leaders Exeter visiting the following weekend.

The home game with Budleigh Salterton, currently second bottom, could be crucial on 19th August.

In C Division West of the Tolchards Devon Cricket League, Ivybridge are chasing leaders Stoke Gabriel for a title push.

The Ivies currently hold the second promotion spot but only by a point ahead of Brixham following a competent 65-run at struggling Babbacombe.

The multi-talented Josh Zimmerman, a top footballer for Tavistock, is still in cricket mode and the Ivybridge captain gave his side a strong platform with a fluent 40 from 38 balls. Harry Solomon added a patient 67 and Ivybridge were in a strong place on 153-2.

Cebo Tshiki smashed ten boundaries in his entertaining 54 and there was a further 37 from Adam Huxtable, as Ivybridge reached a powerful total of 277-8 at Babbacombe’s picturesque Walls Hill ground.

The target was revised to 247 from 40 overs and the early wickets were shared between Jacob Kopparambil, Maddie Turner, Adam Huxtable and Lewis Clarke. Youngster Josh Thompson hit a fine unbeaten 66 for Babbacombe but the rest of his team were dismantled by Zimmerman, who finished with superb figures of 5-22 in a comfortable victory.

Ivybridge host fourth-placed Cornwood 2nds on Saturday, 22nd July and then travel to Yelverton Bohemians a week later. The trip to Brixham on 26th August could be pivotal to their promotion dreams.