In a contest characterised by a distinct ‘end of term’ feel, Ottery St Mary 1st XI completed a markedly inconsistent season with a whimper as they were soundly beaten by already relegated visitors, Yelverton, writes Ian Townsend.

After producing another wayward bowling display, the Otters’ showed little fight in attempting to chase down the resultant impressive total and strengthening the attack would appear to be essential if the Salston Field side are to be consistently competitive in the 2014 season.

After Yelverton won the toss and batted, the Otters made a reasonable start as paceman, Dave Richardson (2-25) sent back Rob Grove (14) thanks to a terrific catch by Alex Clements at cover before the visitors quickly lost two more wickets to slip to 49-3. However, in the company of Matt Tamsett, hard hitting former Plymouth and Devon batsman, Steve Luffman took full advantage of numerous loose offerings to turn the game in Yelvy’s favour as 98 runs were added in rapid time.

Tamsett, who eventually fell victim to a Sam Tennant run out, played an effective sheet anchor role, his seven boundary 42 occupying 87 balls, whilst Luffman blazed his way to 80 from just 77 deliveries (15 fours) before being trapped lbw by medium pacer, James Faulkner (3-55).

Despite another accurate spell from home skipper, Jody Clements (0-19 from 9 overs,) useful contributions down the order, particularly from opposing captain Rich West (32 from 22 balls,) boosted the visitors to a challenging 252-9.

The Ottery reply was a shambles, the score soon plunging to 33-3. First, Dan Flower (4) was pouched behind by Grove off Dominic Rushton, then Rob Johns fell to the same combination for a duck and finally Tennant (20) was castled by former team mate and ex-Ottery opening batsman, Rich Townsend.

The home side never recovered and a series of batsmen departed to tame dismissals before tail enders, Matt Reed, who top scored with an impressive four boundary 28 not out, and Zac Johns (18) at least showed some fight before the latter was bowled by James Harrison (2-23) to consign the Otters to a hugely disappointing 105 run defeat.

Yelverton 252-9 (S Luffman 80, Extras 43, M Tamsett 42, R West 32, J Faulkner 3-55, D Richardson 2-25) Ottery St Mary 147 (M Reed 28*, S Tennant 20, P Hobbs 2-23, J Harrison 2-23, D Rushton 2-29, R West 2-29). Yelverton (20pts) bt Ottery St Mary (6pts) by 105 runs.