MATT Beasant made a winning start as Ipplepen Cricket Club’s new captain by steering the side to a five-wicket win over Teignmouth and Shaldon in the Devon Cricket League B Division.

Teignmouth and Shaldon dipped from 90 for four to 107 for seven then on to 130 all out as Noah Rider (4-36) worked through the lower order. Opener Seamus McKenna (45) was the only batter to linger for long. He was eighth out to Nathan Forde (2-7) late in the innings. Thirty extras topped up the Teignmouth and Shaldon total.

Ipplepen could not have wished for a worse start as Jawad Shirzad (3-32) and Ryan Bougourd (1-21) had them reeling at 17 for three. Tom Durman took control of the chase after that and by the time he was dismissed for 77 – 10 fours and two sixes – the target was four to win. It was game over.

Beasant said the pressure applied with the ball by Durman (2-18) and Ross Kennard (1-21) created a platform for Ryder to get stuck in.

‘Considering Noah has barely held a cricket ball since last September he was excellent,’ said Beasant of Rider, who has been playing rugby for Torquay Athletic all winter.

‘Nathan also bowled brilliantly on debut and claimed a huge scalp in McKenna, who batted very well and is always dangerous.’

Beasant said losing the ‘top three’ to ‘very good deliveries’ was a setback but not a disaster thanks to Durman, Ford and Reuben Stanley.

‘Tom batted incredibly for his 77, Nathan stuck around, which was exactly what we needed, followed by Reuben batting with great patience and maturity,’ said Beasant.

Carl Woolnough, the Teignmouth and Shaldon skipper, said with three regulars missing in the middle order the game was always going to be a challenge.

‘It was the first time guys have picked-up a cricket bat outdoors this season and we certainly need to do better next time to get a score on the board,’ said Woolnough. ‘Shay McKenna showed his class, as ever. Hopefully it'll be another big season for him.

‘Jawad clearly showed his raw skills with three wickets; the discipline will come but I do not want to stifle him. And it was great to see young leg spinner Tyler Blackburn bowl six very economical overs.

‘You do not lose, you learn. We will keep the spirits up and go again this week after blowing the cobwebs off and getting into our business.’

Teignmouth and Shaldon play hosts to Bovey Tracey Second XI, who were also beaten on the opening day, this coming Saturday as they open their home account for the campaign. Meanwhile, Ipplepen hit the road to take on Barton.