JOB done! Ivybridge are steaming back to the Tolchards DCL B Division after a two-season absence following a hard-earned three-wicket win at Ashburton.
The Bridge were as good as promoted going into the game following their runaway win over promotion rivals Paignton 2nd XI seven days earlier. In a division with only one promotion spot, the 19-point lead generated by beating Paignton was as good as promotion in the bag.
Steve Edmonds top scored for Ashburton with 81 in their total of 203 all out. Along the way there was a stand of 94 for the third wicket with skipper Lloyd White (35). Matt Churchill chipped in with a run-a-ball 29.
Abraham Kopparambil (3-25) posed problems for Ashes’ middle order. New-ball operator Josh Coker returned at the end to claim three wickets for a match return of four for 32.
Kopparambil had a claim for man of the match as he top-scored with 72 in the chase. A stand of 85 with Zach Dunn (28) got the pursuit underway.
Matt Coon (3-39) forced Ivybridge to stumble from 113 for one to 120 for four – and there was another pause after a double strike from Churchill. Adam Huxtable (29) was one of the casualties.
Arthur Johnson’s rapid 28 not out – five fours, 19 balls – took Ivybridge over the line.
For Ashburton, they are currently in fourth having put together a solid campaign indeed.
Meanwhile, South Devon still have relegation worries in the C Division West after a nine-wicket pasting in the basement tussle with Sandford 2nd XI.
Victory hoisted Sandford 31 points clear of the second relegation place currently occupied by Yelverton with one game to go and 20 points to play for.
South Devon (171pts) are not out of the wood yet though as Yelverton (155) can still reel them in. The Newton Abbot side need to take at least five points off Cornwood 2nd XI this Saturday to make Yelverton’s result against Sandford meaningless.
Veteran batter Mark Andrews opened up for South Devon and made a top score of 35 in their frugal total of 120 all out. Ben Austin and Josh Hudson with a brace of 15s showed some fighting spirit near the end after a collapse to 90 for eight.
Sandford bowlers Jack James and Sebi Gibbs had a couple of wickets each at the top end. Matt Theedom (5-24) was a bit too slippery for the lower order.
Opener Jason Matten was Sandford’s only casualty during the 19.2 overs needed to knock-off the runs.
Jon James (50no) and Tom Gidney (56no) put on 92 unbroken to win it.
