Tipton v Clyst st George and Newton Poppleford

Tipton ‘s batting was not able to set demanding enough targets in either of last weekend’s fixtures, but the club could take real pride in its stirring performances in the field, especially at Newyon Poppleford on Sunday.

Tipton’s openers made a bright start against a young and competitive Clyst St George side, reaching 51 by the eighth over before the prolific Phil Tolley was caught behind for 38. Thereafter, the middle order was unable to sustain the momentum until skipper Jim Bugler steered Tipton to the relative respectability of 138 all out with a measured and responsible 29.

Geoff Woodcock had contributed a steady 17, but no one else made a significant impression until Bugler’s eighth wicket stand with Tom Birch realised 33 valuable runs. Mark Channon lashed a couple of boundaries at the death but the total seemed unlikely to trouble Clyst’s batting.

Opening bowlers Channon and David Birch beat the bat frequently, but Clyst’s openers rode their luck and had 49 on the board when Rodgers bowled Welland. Tipton’s spinners achieved greater control with Tom Birch and Phil Wright chipping in with a wicket each and Dave O’Higgins claiming two and a tumbling slip catch off Bugler. In the end a four wicket defeat represented a good effort in the field against their talented hosts.

Tipton fared even less well against Newton Poppleford’s attack, managing only 114 on a bowler friendly wicket, with only Dave Dawson (23), Phil Tolley (29) and Mark Channon (13) reaching double figures. Alex Raistrick, with the remarkable figure of 7-16, inflicted the greatest damage and Tipton’s only hope ay in the potential of their bowling attack to respond in kind.

Joe Birch, with 1-11 from 8 hostile and accurate overs and Steve Shaw, with 1-16 from 6 gave Tipton a good start which was sustained by tight spells from skipper David Birch and Dave O’ Higgins with 3-21 and 2-22 respectively, which reduced the hosts to 96-7 with six overs left. The match then appeared to be going Newton Poppleford’s way when the returning Shaw trapped Thomas lbw.

However, Tipton were not able to press home their advantage and Kenny Clay and Ed Thomas saw the batting side home with two balls to spare in an exciting climax to a match played in an excellent spirit.

David Birch