Last weekend’s trip to South Devon saw Ottery St Mary 2nd XI end their recent losing streak with a comprehensive victory over Ipplepen, writes Ian Townsend.
After producing a solid all-round bowling and fielding display, the Salston Field side cruised home, courtesy of a solid half century from recently returned opener, Richard Kitzinger and a typically breezy innings from exciting young talent, Harry Conway.
After giant seamer, Rob Johns (1-21) gave the Otters a fine start by trapping Andy Tuckett (2) lbw, Tom Cooper and Steve Harris (23) compiled a useful 49-run stand in 16 overs before the latter became the first of three victims for left arm spinner, Duncan Bradshaw-Smith, Kitzinger taking the catch.
The experienced Rich Reed bowled home skipper Simon Tapley before Bradshaw-Smith (3-22) claimed two more victims as he held a return catch from the dangerous Matt Quartley (6) and bowled Cooper (34 with six fours) to leave the home side at 94-5.
Teenage seamer Tom Jeacock removed Callum King (11) via a catch by Rich Reed before the returning Ollie Reed (2-23) bowled both old stager Alan Boon (10) and Jasper Heaver (7). All-rounder James Faulkner (2-19) made short work of the tail as John Sewell and Harry Lewis were both castled for ducks. 139 all out appeared to be woefully under par on a good batting track.
Kitzinger and youngster Joe Henkus (17) gave the Otters a sound start in reply, adding a relatively untroubled 41 in 12 overs before the latter was bowled by Boon (2-22).
Faulkner (9) soon departed in identical fashion but Kitzinger and 15 year old Conway then took the game away from Ipplepen by posting a 66-run stand in just 11 overs. Kitzinger’s well-crafted 50 arrived from 85 balls (five fours and two sixes) whilst Conway returned to form with a fluent 37 from just 31 balls faced (seven fours). After the youngster was caught by King off Sewell, Alex Clements (6no) joined Kitzinger (51no) and the pair guided their side to a maximum points triumph with a full 17 overs to spare.
Ipplepen 139 (T Cooper 34, S Harris 23, D Bradshaw-Smith 3-22, J Faulkner 2-19, O Reed 2-23) Ottery St Mary 140-3 (R Kitzinger 51no, H Conway 37, A Boon 2-22). Ottery St Mary (22pts) bt Ipplepen (3pts) by seven wickets.
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