A classy maiden league half century from 14 year old Harry Conway was the highlight of a powerful team performance which saw Ottery St Mary 2nd XI secure a comfortable victory over visiting Stoke Gabriel, writes Lewis Townsend.

After a fine opening spell from Ottery paceman Alex Tubbs was rewarded with the wicket of Ashley Hill (12), Paul Collins and Dave Higgins boosted the visitors with an excellent 88-run stand occupying 20 overs during which anything loose was efficiently despatched. However, the introduction of spinner, Adie Pullin accounted for both men, Higgins (43) falling to a catch by Tubbs and Collins (52) being stumped by Trevor Griffin. From 124-3, Stoke were boosted by an aggressive half century from the experienced Doug Ansley (57) whose 10 boundary innings featured some fine drives. However, with Otters’ skipper Rob Crabb (5-42) claiming five scalps in his last four overs, the visitors were restricted to 224-9 from their 45 overs, a par score on a good wicket. Once again the home side produced a fine fielding display in which youngster Harry Peters was outstanding.

As Ottery began their reply, their top three batsmen all fell to soft dismissals against the bowling of seamer Andy Ball (4-54). Griffin (12) scooped a catch to Chris Reeves at mid-off whilst Barry Flicker (10) and Pullin (20) both fell to full tosses. Crabb and 14 year old Billy Rudolph rescued the Otters from 58-3 with a steady half century stand, batting sensibly and taking the runs on offer in the face of very defensive field settings. After Rudolph (20) missed a straight one to be bowled by Ansley and Crabb (39) pulled a full toss to square leg, Conway and Ottery stalwart Rob Bradshaw-Smith embarked upon the stand which won the match for the Salston Field outfit. Conway unleashed a number of pleasing cuts and cover drives whilst Bradshaw-Smith (35 not out) batted steadily as 57 runs were added in just nine overs. After Conway (50 with six fours) departed to a catch by Ansley off the returning Ball, Tubbs (13 not out) leant ‘RBS’ sound support as victory was secured with a full five overs to spare. Reflecting on his side’s fourth victory of a promising season, Crabb commented: “Up until now, it’s been individuals who’ve often won us games but this was a really good team performance in which we executed all facets of the game well”.

Stoke Gabriel 224-9 (D.Ansley 57, P.Collins 52, D.Higgins 43, R.Crabb 5-42, A.Pullin 2-47) Ottery St Mary 225-6 (H.Conway 50, R.Crabb 39, R.Bradshaw-Smith 35*, B.Rudolph 20, A.Pullin 20, A.Ball 4-54). Ottery St Mary (19pts) bt Stoke Gabriel (8pts) by 4 wkts.