Babbacombe skipper Broad won't count promotion chickens until fat lady sings

BABBACOMBE are cast-iron favourites for promotion from the C Division West as champions after walloping second-placed Ashburton by eight wickets.

Only one side goes up this year – the play-off between East and West runners-up are in abeyance while a league re-organisation takes place – and before last Saturday it was neck and neck between Babbacombe (233pts)  and Asburton (226). Not any more!

Ashburton were spun to a turn by Paul Bates, whose five for 24 off nine overs ripped the heart out of the batting.

If Bates didn’t get them Dean Peall did. He had four for 19.

Ashes were 36 for six before Matt Churchill (15) and Dom Durman (10) showed some stickability. Once they went it was downhill fast to 78 all out.

Babbacombe skipper Steve Broad was probably a bit nervous when his side were nine for two in reply, but Jacob Hand (35) and Andy Kingdon (43) ensured no further mishaps.

With two games to go – Dartington & Totnes then Chagford to finish -  Babbacombe are 23 points clear of Ashburton at the top.

Favourites they may be, but Broad insists the celebrations will have to wait a bit longer.

“One more win to be certain with two difficult games left,” said Broad.

“I am happy we are clear but funny things can happen and I don’t like counting chickens to early.”

Ashburton have two of the bottom three to play – Shaldon and doomed Plymouth CS&R – which is why Broad is a little cautious.

On the win over Ashburton, Broad said: “The boys were excellent when it really mattered.

“We've probably only played to our potential twice this season and both times against Ashburton.”

KINGSBRIDGE collapsed in a heap to 65 all out against Dartington & Totnes in a game that was over in half the time allowed.

Harry Baxendale (4-14) and Bertus Loots (3-12) ran though Kings’ batting after James Howrihane (2-19) softened them up.

Ashley Treeby’s 21 was the best of a sorry set of scores.

Elliot Miller made an unbeaten 37 opening up to steer D&T to victory with 27 overs unbowled.

Victory means D&T only need a point from their last two games to be clear of danger. Kingsbridge need to beat relegated Plymouth CS&R this Saturday just to be on the safe side.

SHALDON gave themselves a chance of staying up by handing out a nine-wicket hiding to 10-man Plymouth CS&R.

Mark Couch took three Civil wickets for seven runs and there were two each for Carl Woolnough, Tshepo Legodi and Kelsey Fahey as the visitors were bowled out for 77.

Shaldon openers Andy Espley (30) and Karl Blackburn (35) made the chase a formality.

Realistically, two out of Stoke Gabriel (163pts), Shaldon (151) and South Devon (138) will be going down with Civil Service.

Stoke Gabriel play South Devon this Saturday, which is going to be a key game in the decision-making process.

South Devon haven’t won for ten games now after Chagford defeated them by five wickets.

James Allen (25) and Joe Kitto (21) had the only scores of substance for South Devon, who were held to 134 for nine in 45 overs.

Jake Griffiths (4-13 off nine) did most of the bowling damage.

Chagford were a little wobbly at 58 for five – Allen (2-28) and Jonty Parsons (2-11) shaking them up – but J P van Rensburg (72) and Del Lammonby (36no) put on 77 to win it.

Stoke Gabriel were four-wicket winners over Bridestowe, whose 166 for eight never looked enough.

Bridestowe were 75 for six at one stage – Dan Bullock and Issac Withington among the wicket – and two things got them to 166: a stand of 66 between Chris Lavis (31) and Mark Fogerty (25) plus 45 wides!

Opener Dan Pandolfo batted through for an unbeaten 96 as Stoke’s anchorman on the chase.