Following the disappointment of the last two weeks, Ottery returned to winning ways in the B division with a crushing victory over bottom placed Dartington & Totnes, writes George Biggs.

After Dartington had posted a below par total of 180-8 in their 45 overs, the Ottery opening batsmen cruised to 131-0, before eventually crossing the winning line thre wickets down with 17 overs remaining.

Dartington captain James Howrihane elected to bat after winning the toss and watched his openers capitalise on some loose opening bowling from the Otters to reach 30-0 in the fourth over.

Devon youngster Billy Rudolph (1-27) then picked up the important wicket of Jono Colgate (21) with an excellent seaming delivery, bringing South African overseas Eddie Verrall to the crease. Dartington reached 56-1 in the 10th over before Ollie Reed (2-45) removed experienced clubman Harold Stevenson caught by his older brother Matt in the gully. Verrall and the new batsmen Veale then powered some impressive boundaries. Verrall in particular hit 12 boundaries and was 48* until he hit an alternative scoring shot which resulted in him passing 50 off 40 deliveries. Dartington were on target for a large total after reaching 120-2 in the 20th over, however, the introduction of the experienced bowler Jody Clements (3-17) produced immediate results. The former 1st XI captain had both Verrall and Veale caught behind the wicket in consecutive overs, and the handbrake was applied to the Dartington innings.

The following 10 overs, bowled by Clements and Alex Thurgate (2-13), went for just five runs with two wickets going the way of Thurgate. Some excellent death bowling from the returning pace bowlers restricted the opposition and the innings finished on a score of 180-8.

Ottery openers then proceeded to cash in, carting the bowling to all parts of the ground. The settled opening partnership of Dan Flower and Rudolph took the team to within 50 of victory when Flower (58 off 63 balls) perished, caught off the bowling of Howrihane. Rudolph (65 off 72 balls) then continued the onslaught as he unfurled some delightful drives through the covers.

Unfortunately, Rudolph was bowled needing only 7 to win and the remaining runs were knocked off by Billy Reed (20*) and promising youngster Henry Mutter (4*). The result leaves Ottery in third place, four points off the promotion places with a huge match against table topping Ivybridge next week.

Captain Rob Crabb had this to say about the result: “I thought we bowled very well in the middle overs, especially Alex and Jody, who bowled the perfect line and length for the wicket. The team will have to be on top form to beat a strong Ivybridge side next week.”

180-8 (E Verrall 57, C Cook 36, K Veale 28, J Clements 3-17, A Thurgate 2-13). Ottery St Mary 182-3 (B Rudolph 65, D Flower 58, J Howrihane 3-64) Ottery St Mary (19pts) bt Dartington & Totnes (5pts) by 7 wkts.

Otters Man of the Match – Jody Clements