Stogumber took an important step to winning the Division Two title when they beat their closest rivals Roadwater by three wickets on Saturday. In a match of fluctuating fortunes, a thrilling undefeated eighth-wicket partnership of 82 between Eli Hayes and Nick Bennett took the home side to victory.
On a hot, sunny day, Roadwater elected to bat on a typically hard and true Stogumber wicket. They lost two early wickets to the persevering Lee Penny but a typically fine innings by Freddie Wilson steadied the ship. Wilson, who was dropped twice, hit thirteen fours and one six on his way to 70.
The introduction of James Rexworthy into the attack saw wickets begin to fall and only a hard-hitting 47 by Andrew Covey, who was given good support by the tail, pushed Roadwater’s total to 222 for 9 at the end of their 40 overs. Rexworthy finished with the excellent figures of 4-42 off 11 overs.
Stogumber’s opening pair were quickly despatched by Toby Brewer before a fine partnership between Simon Penny and Aaron Webster appeared to be taking them to a comfortable victory. Penny continued his excellent season’s form with a splendid half-century but when he was caught off the bowling of Andrew Covey, wickets started to tumble.
Webster played one attacking shot too many and was caught at mid-off and shortly after the home side had slipped to 144 for 7 with Roadwater firm favourites. But in an exciting finish, Hayes (42 not out) and Bennett (28 not out), mixed aggressive shot-making with admirable caution and fine running between the wickets as they took Stogumber over the line.
Roadwater: F Wilson 70, A Lovey 47, J Rexworthy 4-42, S Penny 2-54, L Penny 3-67).
Stogumber: S Penny 54, A Webster 44, E Hayes 42 not out, A Covey 4-67, T Brewer 2-35).
Stogumber: 25 points, Roadwater 8 points.
On a hot, sunny day, Roadwater elected to bat on a typically hard and true Stogumber wicket. They lost two early wickets to the persevering Lee Penny but a typically fine innings by Freddie Wilson steadied the ship. Wilson, who was dropped twice, hit thirteen fours and one six on his way to 70.
The introduction of James Rexworthy into the attack saw wickets begin to fall and only a hard-hitting 47 by Andrew Covey, who was given good support by the tail, pushed Roadwater’s total to 222 for 9 at the end of their 40 overs. Rexworthy finished with the excellent figures of 4-42 off 11 overs.
Stogumber’s opening pair were quickly despatched by Toby Brewer before a fine partnership between Simon Penny and Aaron Webster appeared to be taking them to a comfortable victory. Penny continued his excellent season’s form with a splendid half-century but when he was caught off the bowling of Andrew Covey, wickets started to tumble.
Webster played one attacking shot too many and was caught at mid-off and shortly after the home side had slipped to 144 for 7 with Roadwater firm favourites. But in an exciting finish, Hayes (42 not out) and Bennett (28 not out), mixed aggressive shot-making with admirable caution and fine running between the wickets as they took Stogumber over the line.
Roadwater: F Wilson 70, A Lovey 47, J Rexworthy 4-42, S Penny 2-54, L Penny 3-67).
Stogumber: S Penny 54, A Webster 44, E Hayes 42 not out, A Covey 4-67, T Brewer 2-35).
Stogumber: 25 points, Roadwater 8 points.