Tipton St John were well beaten in an early season fixture at a chilly Yarcombe and Stockland, writes Phil Wright.

On one of those April says when wearing three jumpers is a ‘must’, Tipton were invited to bat and found it difficult to penetrate the lush outfield, but openers Keith Collins and Phil Tolley patiently accumulated runs off some tight home bowling.

The partnership had reached 89 when Collins was caught by Morris off Ollie Fuller and Tolley fell shortly after being bowled by the same bowler for 66. A bright partnership between Dave Jessop (44) and Dave Alford (28) helped Tipton reach an under par total of 182-5.

To keep out the cold wind, Tipton players took to the field resembling Michelin men, which probably accounted for the poor fielding display that followed!

Although David’s, Alford and Birch bowled well at the start, openers S and O Fuller were rarely in trouble and reached 50 in 13 overs. Mark Channon was unlucky when his fielders failed to take chances offered off his bowling. The introduction of Phil Wright to the attack changed the game, but not the way he would have wished!

In his first over he tempted Ollie Fuller out of his crease and was stumped by Dawson. Next ball, Dawson failed to cling onto a difficult chance and new batsman Ben Fuzzard escaped. He added insult to injury by plundering 27 off Wright’s third over and went on to power his way to a knock of 57 off just 20 balls, before holing out to Tolley off Kevin McMeeking.

Despite losing Lamb, also to McMeeking for a duck, S Fuller took Yarcombe and Stockland to victory with 10 overs to spare with a fine 85 not out.

After a series of wins by Tipton St John at Stockland, it was perhaps fair for the home side to have some revenge. Tipton move onto Newton Poppleford this weekend, hopefully aided by warmer weather and a better fielding display.