Abbots chairman pays tribute to outgoing captain Charlie Hill

Reflecting on the season at Abbotskerswell

ABBOTSKERSWELL carried a bit too much firepower for Plympton, who were 107-run losers at Harewood Park.

Abbots clattered along to 244 for eight before their overs ran out, anchored by 74 from Nick Watkin batting first wicket down.

Watkin and Eddie Smout-Cooper (36) put on 74 for the third wicket, then Elliot Adams (65) joined Watkin to add 90 more for the fourth.

Youngsters Ben Privett (4-42) and Jonty Walliker (2-47) were the best of Plympton’s bowlers.

Paul MitchellPlympton’s early order batting – opener James Degg excepted – did a disappearing act illusionist Paul Daniels would have been proud of in his time.

Off-spinner Dan Cowdry (5-26) ripped through the batting and at 78 for seven an early finish was on the cards.

Veteran Andy Walter (36) and Jacob Caunter (21) put on 45 to get Plympton going again.

Walter, who has played for more than 25 years at either Cornwood or mostly Plympton, announced his retirement as a player after the game.

Charlie Smout-Cooper (3-12) ended playtime in 16 balls as Plympton were dismissed for 137.

It was the final game as captain for Charlie Hill whose new career with the prison service means his availability will be sporadic.

Hill took over after the club dropped into the fourth tier of the DCL and Abbots won back-to-back titles to get where they are now - the top four of the A Division. 

“Charlie’s record of 36 wins, one tie and only 11 losses from 48 completed games has been a fantastic achievement,” said Abbots’ chairman Paul Mitchell.

Nick Spencer-Watkin is on the shortest of short lists to replace Hill as skipper.