Cricket- Division Five (East)

Bugle v Saltash

League leaders Saltash travelled to Bugle expecting a severe test of their promotion credentials. However, the home side never really tested them as they cruised to a very comfortable seven wicket win.

With leading bowler Richard Durndell having to keep wicket due to the absence of Wilkinson and Pickard, Saltash skipper Ross Braund took a gamble by asking Bugle to take the first knock. He needn't have worried as Carpenter and Marshall ensured Bugle got off to a slow start.

There was no respite for Bugle as Gould proved just as miserly when taking over from the tiring Carpenter, whilst Braund recovered after an uncertain start to keep the Bugle batsmen in check. Martin and Spencer put together a useful partnership, but Ogley's catch to dismiss Spencer proved crucial, as they middle order failed to provide the impetus needed and Bugle finished on a disappointing 144-8 after their allotted overs. Paul Marshall bowled well within himself to complete the 16 straight overs whilst Brian Gould used all his experience to produce the most impressive figures of two for 31 from 15 overs.

Saltash's opening pairing of Durndell and Braund survived a useful opening spell from Thomas and Kitts and gradually increased the scoring rate. The rest of the Bugle attack failed to carry any real menace and until Braund was run out, Saltash were strolling to an easy ten wicket victory. This plan to restore Carpenter's confidence in his batting by putting him up the order failed, as he was bowled first ball and the recalled Skinner was run out moments later, also for a duck. Stevenson restored some normality to the proceedings with a characteristic flashing cover drive and it was left to Durndell to hit the winning runs as he produced another fine knock to finish on 77 not out.

Scores - Bugle 144 for 8 (P Martin 33; R Nicholls 13; K Spencer 28; G Wheldon 18; W Cook 14; Extras 21; B Gould 2-31; N Carpenter 1-20; R Braund 2-31; P Marshall 2-56). Saltash 145 for 3 (R Braund 33; R Durndell 77 n.o.; Extras 34; A Wheldon 1-19).