Cornwood snatch Hatherleigh's unbeaten record

CORNWOOD kept their promotion hopes alive by sending runaway A Division leaders Hatherleigh tumbling to their first defeat of the season so far.

Hatherleigh made 239 for nine in 44-rain affected overs – Charlie Nielson top scoring with a rapid 87.

Another rain break meant Cornwood had to score 215 to win and they made it with four wickets to spare.

Hatherleigh stay top, but their lead over second-placed Sandford has been cut to 18 points.

Cornwood are 42 points further back in third so still have plenty to do to make up lost ground. Had they lost they would have been around 60 points adrift of the second promotion spot and probably out of it.

Cornwood got just the start they wanted when Adam Goodliffe removed Hatherleigh opener Danny Forrester and three balls later Gareth Tidball.

Matt Thomas (61) and Rob Cockwill (41)  put on 87 and by the tome Matt Skeemer had Cockwill caught behind the score was 168 for five.

Nielson was already on by then and on the way to another quickfire contribution. His 87 came off 50 balls and included six sixes and eight fours.

Nielson’s stands of 58 with Cockwill and 49 with Ryan Davies took Hatherleigh most of the way to their final tally.

Goodliffe (4-51) picked up two more wickets in his second spell. Left-armer Matt Tamsett’s breakthrough season continued with three for 39.

Skeemer went at first wicket down on 28 and came out at 152 for four with the chase set-up. He made 53.

Mo Salman (48) and Skeemer had put on 69 and 30 more from Salman and Matt Butterworth made a further dent in the deficit.

Goodliffe (16no) and Jason Hall (10no) took Cornwood past the post.

Cornwood’s players knew they were under pressure to deliver a result and playing supremo Duncan Boase was pleased with the way they responded.

“It was an odd day because of the weather and the reduced target, but with the batting we had I would have backed us,” said Boase.

“They were bowling with a wet  ball to short boundaries and a quick outfield, which made it difficult for them.

“Skeemer and Sal batted well and Adam Goodliffe's cameo at the end was quality to get us over the line.”

Mark Lake, the Hatherleigh captain, said: “The toss had a big factor in it.

“The best team won on the day, but it was very difficult to bowl for 40 overs with a wet ball.

“No excuses on the whole. We are still in a great position and we move on to Brixham away this week.”