Ottery St Mary 2nd XI bounced back from the previous week’s hammering at Sandford with a crushing victory over painfully weak visitors, Lewdown, writes Ian Townsend.

A terrific opening spell from Tom Jeacock (2-17) reduced the West Devon side to 9-2 as first Lewis Gliddon (0) edged to Rick Jackson at slip, then Justin Gliddon (2) feathered a catch to wicketkeeper Alex Clements. Olly Brown and Kevin Burns pulled things around as they compiled a solid 65-run stand occupying 16 overs with 14 year old Burns playing in impressively correct fashion. Left arm seamer Zac Johns, making his first appearance of the season, separated the pair, bowling Brown for 32 (six fours) after which a general lack of application amongst the Lewdown batsmen saw the innings crumble. Left arm spinner Duncan Bradshaw-Smith cashed in, producing a well-controlled four wicket spell (4-14) including the scalp of Burns who was bowled for a patient 36 (75 balls, three fours). Experienced seamer Richard Reed (2-32) contributed to the collapse, courtesy of two catches from Henry Mutter, and with Johns impressively pouching a steepler off George Southall-Brown to send back Adrian Clements (4), Lewdown had capitulated for just 119.

Despite an accurate opening spell from Steve Metherell, Bradshaw-Smith and Dan Jeacock gave the Otters reply a great start, both men playing circumspectly but efficiently despatching the bad ball as 80 were added in 19 largely untroubled overs. David Butler removed Bradshaw-Smith (27 with three fours) via a catch by Justin Gliddon but despite a useful spell from slow left armer Adrian Clements, the home side were in complete control. Well supported by Mutter (21*), the promising Dan Jeacock reached a solid half century (six fours, 72 balls) shortly before victory was secured with nine wickets and 16 overs in hand.

Ottery vice-captain, Alex Clements cut a satisfied figure when he commented: “It’s nice to get back on track after an awful performance last week. We bowled really well and then Dan, Dunc and Henry applied themselves splendidly.”

Lewdown 119 (K Burns 36, O Brown 32, D Bradshaw-Smith 4-14, T Jeacock 2-17, R Reed 2-32) Ottery St Mary 120-1 (D Jeacock 52*, D Bradshaw-Smith 27, H Mutter 21*). Ottery St Mary (20pts) bt Lewdown (2pts) by 9 wkts.

Otters Man of the Match – Duncan Bradshaw-Smith