Dulverton v Bideford

DULVERTON travelled to Westward Ho! to take on Bideford in the North Devon League and lost with five balls to go.

They elected to bat and openers Lee Hooper and Robert Dubery brought up the 100 partnership before Hooper was dismissed for a quick 82 from 69 balls.

Aggressive batting from Liam Snell and Dubery saw another 75 put on before Snell was bowled for 43.

Craig Lewington then smashed the ball to all parts as another 75 was put on for the third wicket before Dubery was bowled for 62, and Lewington finished with an unbeaten 77 from 45 balls as Dulverton ended their 40 overs on 283-4.

Bideford’s reply started strongly as Dulverton struggling on a good batting pitch, and J Ford and B Blackburn both made half-centuries before any wickets fell.

The breakthrough came in the 31st over with Tom Blundell had Ford caught for 132.

That brought Aussie J Roach to the crease fresh from a 100 the day before, but thanks to a stroke of luck and miscommunication he was run out for just two.

That offered some hope to Dulverton but it wasn’t to be as Blackburn also brought up his 100, and although they took some consolation wickets Bideford reached their target with five balls to spare.