Ottery’s promotion push was halted by a disappointing defeat at the hands of top of the table side Ivybridge, writes George Biggs.

After restricting the Ivybridge batting effort to 132-8, Ottery’s top order struggled and, as a result, half the side were back in the pavilion with just 60 on the board.

Ollie Reed’s late heroics with the bat were not enough to get Ottery over the line, with the team ending up 13 runs short.

After forgetting that the start time had been brought forward by 30 minutes, Ottery arrived in a bit of a rush!

Former skipper Jody Clements had the initiative to partake in the toss, which he duly lost, meaning the Otters were in the field.

The lack of warm up had no effect on the Ottery opening bowlers as Ivybridge were quickly reduced to 26-3 after 10 overs.

Paceman Ollie Reed (2-42) had Abraham Kopparambil caught by George Biggs at second slip and Will Harrison (1-24) castled powerful left hander Adam Huxtable.

Ottery continued to pick up important wickets and at the halfway stage Ivybridge were 58-4. The introduction of left arm spinner Alex Thurgate (2-26) led to the vital wicket of the Ivybridge overseas star Jeewan De Silva (26) with a fantastic arm ball.

Alex then had Ivybridge’s former captain Gareth Andrews heading back to the pavilion with Ottery firmly on top at 62-7.

Unfortunately, Ottery’s death bowling was slightly below par; the last five overs of the innings afforded 40 runs with George Thompson (26*) and Pete Abraham (23*) hitting some lusty blows. Ivybridge finished on a below par score of 132-8, with the Otters favourites at the halfway stage.

The run chase started well with Dan Flower (19) and Joe Henkus (16), taking the score to 36-0 in the 11th over.

The introduction of spin in Harry Solomon (2-30) brought about the downfall of both openers, both being caught in the ring trying to hit a boundary. Ottery then stuttered to 61-5 as George Biggs, Billy Reed and Jody Clements went in quick succession to the impressive bowling of James Bullock (3-26).

Skipper Rob Crabb and Thurgate steadied the ship momentarily, before De Silva (9o-6m-1w-6r) had Thurgate paddling back to the pavilion.

Crabb then fell to the leg spin of Kopparrambil (1-34), bringing Ollie Reed to wicket with the Otters struggling at 78-7. Ollie (34*), in the typical Reed manor, attacked the spin hitting three fours and two massive sixes taking Ottery to within touching distance of the Ivybridge total.

Wickets unfortunately fell around him and Reed and number 11 Will Harrison required 14 to win when Harrison skied a catch to Ivybridge skipper Kelvin Trent.

It was a disappointing loss for the Otters, with the skipper Crabb disappointed by the application of the top order.

Ottery play lowly South Devon next Saturday at Salston Field, looking to return to winning ways.

Ivybrdge 132-8 (J De Silva 26, G Thompson 26*, P Abraham 23*, J Birch 2-21, A Thurgate 2-26). Ottery St Mary 119 O. Reed 34*, J De Silva 1-6, J Bullock 3-26) Ivybridge bt Ottery St Mary by 13 runs.

Otters Man of the Match – Ollie Reed