Cricket- County Division Five (East)
Saltash v Roche
Roche] put an end to the Saltash winning run with a narrow two-wicket win in a keenly fought contest at Landulph.
After playing on a good batting strip the previous day, Saltash's skipper chose to let his side open the batting, first looking for another score over 200.
However, it was obvious from the beginning that this pitch was to be totally different and only Richard Durndell was able to master it. He carried his bat for an unbeaten 68 in an excellent exhibition of technique and concentration. Paul Marshall was the only other batsmen to reach double figures as wickets fell regularly. Full marks to all the Roche bowlers who put the ball in the right spot and let the pitch do the rest.
With a small total to defend, it was vital for Saltash to give nothing away. But despite a number of balls beating the bat, there were too many loose deliveries in between. Roche decided attack was the best policy and their positive attitude paid off as they raced to 55 for two from just 11 overs. They may have riden their luck at times, but they did get their runs on the board. None of the batsmen batted for any great length of time, but they kept the scoreboard ticking over whilst at the crease. After taking a rest in the hot conditions, opening bowlers Paul Marshall and Nick Carpenter returned to have one final effort at knocking over the lower order and tail but Roche proved the value of having strength in depth as Cox and George held their nerve to edge Roche home. The game could have gone either way at the end and the two teams will meet again at Roche next weekend in what might proved a very different type of game that the batsmen may enjoy a little more.
Scores - Saltash 127-9 (R Durndell 68 n.o.; P Marshall 14; Extras 22; C O' Brien 4-45; R Strout 2-16; D Trudgeon 2-20; N Trudgeon 1-20). Roche 132-8 (T Redman 29; A Trudgeon 12; Al Trudgeon; N Trudgeon; D Trudgeon; Extras 25; N Carpenter 3-40; P Marshall 2-48; G Seddon 2-22; R Braund 1-11).
Roche (18) bt Saltash (7) by two wkts.