Changes to Abbots' side for the game at Cornwood included spin bowler Aron Owen, who has trodden the well-worn path from Two Mile Oak to South Devon, and Danny Johnstone, newly arrived from Babbacombe.

The duo replaced Paul Acton and Sam Greensit, who are away at university.

Skipper Marcus Green has been pleased with the way his side have bowled in low-scoring games against Tavistock and promotion-chasing Heathcoat, but has been disappointed with the batting displays.

His batters were under orders not to give it away against Cornwood, who had a strong bowling line up, spearheaded by their speedy Pakistani professional, Cheema.

The hosts won the toss and chose to bat.

Abbots contained them well with tight bowling from Smith, Kennedy and Green, restricting Cornwood to 150-8 wickets, with Green and Kennedy producing the best of the bowling.

In reply, Abbots started poorly – not helped by a deteriorating wicket – losing early wickets to openers Bees and Cheema.

Aaron Hearne (19) produced the best batting, but Mike Pugh failed to make an impact against some good bowling.

Byron Kennedy, Abbots' South African overseas player also failed to find runs, leaving him frustrated and desperate to find his form on English wickets.

Abbots were all out for 69, and left with an urgent need to find a solution to their poor batting form before tomorrow's home game against Torquay.