Cricket- County Division Five (East)

Saltash v Bugle

Saltash kept up the pressure on leaders Trevone, gaining a comfortable 40-run win. On a very hot day Saltash openers Richard Durndell and Sean Gale put on 84 for the first wicket before both were caught behind by wicket keeper Nicholls off the bowling of Kitts.

Durndell completed his fourth 50 of the season before departing, leaving the way clear for Ian Stevenson to take over and he duly obliged with another 50, his third of the season, before bowing out to deep mid-off as he tried to push the total past 200. Mike Martin, who only flew in from Australia the previous day, ensured that maximum batting points were achieved as Saltash closed on 205 for seven.

In reply, Bugle made a solid start. P Martin and G Wheldon saw off Saltash's two young quick bowlers, Paul Marshall and Nick Carpenter, who were not all at full pace, probably due to the extreme heat.

Having done the hard work, both batsmen then undid their good work as they both played loose shots to change bowlers Ross Braund and Richard Durndell and it was left to Kevin Spencer and A Wheldon to rebuild.

With the run rate increasing, both tried to move the score along, but perished in the process and there was no-one lower down the order who could provide the big hits that were needed.

Durndell and Braund completed their 16 overs, both claiming four wickets before Carpenter was reintroduced to try and mop up the tail after taking R Olver for a duck he could not repeat that success with the last man R taylor who held out bravely to deny Saltash maximum bowling points.

Scores - Saltash 205-7 (R Durndell 57; S Gale 36; I Stevenson, P Marshall 11; M Martin 23 n.o.; Extras 23; Bowling - B Kitts 5-68; A Wheldon 1-35; A Thomas Jnr. 1-27).

Bugle 165-9 (P Martin 19; G Wheldon 42; K Spencer 20; A Wheldon 18; C Smith 18; Extras 21; Bowling - R Durndell 4-48; N Carpenter 1-26; R Braund 4-57).

Saltash (19) bt Bugle (7) by 40 runs.