Coaver Gerries, formerly known as Exeter Geriatrics, were Tipton St John’s latest visitors.
Batting first, Tipton made heavy weather of building an innings. Several batsmen got started, but could not progress. Dave Thayre (20) Nick Wright (21) and Matt Davies (16) all got underway, and When Phil Tolley was caught behind for 34, Tipton were struggling on 121-6.
A good partnership of 79 between John Buckland, who made 62, and Dave Alford with an unbeaten 41 took Tipton past the 200 mark and allowed them to set a challenging total of 225.
Good bowling by Tipton openers David Birch and Owen Smith prevented our visitors taking control. Birch took 3-21, whilst Smith conceded just 19 off his eight overs.
Change bowlers Dave Alford and Phil Wright both claimed two wickets each, as Coaver Gerries slumped to 91-6. Veteran Wright, who has been playing for Tipton for 38 seasons, had just taken his 1000th wicket for the club in the midweek fixture at Woodbury, bowled both of his victims. Alford was indebted to a good slip catch by Phil Tolley for one of his.
Harri Stone and Adam Gibbins both bowled well at the end of the innings and took a wicket each as the visitors finished on 153-9, Tipton winning by 72 runs.
Meanwhile, in E Division East of the Tolchards Devon Cricket League, Sidmouth 3rds put up a brave fight before slipping to a three-wicket defeat at promotion-chasing Topsham St James.
Jack Rattenbury (45) recovered from losing two early partners to put on a good stand with Louis Adet, who was electrifying in his 57 from 25 balls, a T-20 type innings that saw him smash eight fours and three sixes.
Unfortunately, Sidmouth stumbled down the order, with Joseph Trickey (24) the only other batsman to make a proper impression.
Manav Singh started brightly with the ball for Sidmouth, removing both Topsham openers but the hosts settled their chase with an efficient 111-run partnership between Matthew Williams (41) and Ross Treleaven (74 no). Singh finished with four wickets but Topsham held out for the win.
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