Double bowling change points Yelverton towards victory over Roche in National Village Cup

Yelverton after their 45-run win over Roche in the National Village Cup. Back (left to right): David Ackford, Josh Stephenson, Mike Lemmings, James Fern, Sam Crompton, Tom Richards; front: Martin Goff, Ben Grove, Rob Grove (captain), Phil Mutlow, Lewis Gunn-Collins

YELVERTON are through to the area final of the National Village Cup following a 45-run win over Cornish Roche in the regional qualifier.

Openers David Ackford (50) and Ben Grove (31) got off to a good start and Yelverton were comfortable at 95 for one after 17 of their 40 overs.

When Roche introduced their two spinners Yelverton struggled on a turning pitch and lost four wickets in the space of eight overs.

At 120 for five Martin Goff (18) and Lewis Gunn-Collins (21) steadied the ship and Yelverton ended up with what seemed like a below- par score of 172-for nine.

Roche lost a wicket early in their reply. Despite an economical eight-over spell from Josh Stephenson (1-22) the Cornish champs were up with the required run rate at 65 for two after 16 overs. 

A double bowling change altered the course of the match. Roche could not cope with the spin of Mike Lemmings (4-39) and the pace of Grove (3-25) and seven wickets tumbled.

James Fern had the last word as Roche were all out for 137 with 10 overs to go.

Yelverton will play a team from either Somerset or Gloucestershire in the area final. Wembdon and Rockhampton have yet to play each other to determine who goes through.