Ottery St Mary third eleven’s eventful debut season hit new heights last weekend as John Tierney’s young side produced another superb batting display to inflict only the second defeat of the campaign on second placed visitors, Filleigh, writes Ian Townsend.

Despite the North Devon side posting an imposing total, teenage all-rounder Jack Webber claimed four wickets before producing an explosive display of hitting to power his side to a thrilling two wicket win which closes the gap between the sides to just nine points.

Filleigh were soon struggling in the face of Webber’s fine opening spell with the young left armer’s inswing accounting for Ollie Squire (0) and John Ley (11), both bowled, and Dave Hart (12), caught by Tom Jeacock.

After Charles Cullen (8) was stumped off Dan Jeacock, Ravi Gill and Dave Squire rescued the visitors with a fine 128-run stand. Gill eventually departed for 70, caught by Henry Mutter off Tom Jeacock (2-37). Webber (4-32) returned to bowl Dave Squire (58) but Filleigh went on to post a challenging 266-8 courtesy of some friendly late innings bowling from veteran former Exmouth and Devon wicketkeeper, Charlie Pritchard, 54 extras and a useful undefeated 37 from Martin Brice.

The early loss of top three, Joe Henkus (10), Frank Hartley (0) and Henry Mutter (7) saw the Otters reply slip to 49-3 but from thereon in, the middle order, comprising, with the exception of Tierney, very young players, performed superbly. Dan Jeacock (23) and Harry Peters (30) contributed typically well-constructed knocks whilst Tom Conway, playing only his second ever league game, struck a typically fluent 28 from just 30 balls.

With 11 overs remaining 123 runs were still required and the visitors could have been forgiven for thinking that victory was imminent. However, this reckoned without the brutal combination of Tierney and Webber.

The Otters’ skipper is rarely outdone in the hitting stakes, but on this occasion, Webber’s 68 from just 35 balls took the biscuit.

The youngster’s terrific eye yielded four huge sixes and with Tierney smashing a rapid 72 not out, an incredible 88 were added from just 8 overs, a surge which saw Ottery cruise home with an over and a half to spare. Brice (3-46) was the pick of the visiting attack.

Filleigh 266-8 (R Gill 70, B Squire 58, Extras 54, M Brice 37, J Webber 4-32, T Jeacock 2-37) Ottery St Mary 3rd XI 270-8 (J Tierney 72*, J Webber 68, H Peters 30, T Conway 28, D Jeacock 23, M Brice 3-46). Ottery St Mary (19pts) bt Filleigh (9pts) by 2 wkts.

Otters Man of the Match – Jack Webber