Tipton’s five match losing streak finally came to an end on Sunday with a convincing, but hard fought, victory at Seaton, writes David Birch.

But first they had to suffer one of their largest losing margins for a while on Saturday, going down to London tourists Strongroom CC by 108 runs.

Skipper Kevin Jones invited Strongroom to bat first and was rewarded with two wickets from Jim Bugler before a strong third wicket partnership took the visitors to 101 by the 20th over, when Phil Wright had Woolhouse caught on the boundary by Phil Tolley for 65.

Jones rotated his bowlers skilfully and Strongroom were not able to press for the monumental total that seemed there for the taking. Two more wickets for Bugler, three from Wright, two from Dave Alford, one for Adam Gibbins and three caught behind for Dave Dawson left the visitors on 171 all out. This was to prove more than enough for Tipton, who delivered yet another poor batting performance to finish on 63 all out, with only Tim Oakley (20) reaching double figures.

All was transformed at Seaton. David Birch opted to bat first and Tolley and Dawson made a brisk start, which was interrupted when Dawson was lbw to Chris Aplin. Dave Jessop, in only his second start this season, joined Tolley in a century partnership lasting only 17 overs, which swung the match Tipton’s way. Jessop’s 57 came up in only 53 balls and was peppered with sweetly-timed boundaries.

He and Tolley (42) fell within an over of each other, precipitating a rapid tumble of wickets, which was halted when Geoffrey Woodcock and Birch added an unbeaten 29 for the eighth wicket, to take Tipton to 205-7.

Seaton were unable to recover from John Rodgers’ terrific opening spell of 4-17, which was supported in the field which produced two run outs courtesy of Al Matthews and Alex Tubbs. Tubbs and Wright chipped in with two wickets and Seaton finished on 167 all out.