Barton savour win over Torquay | 'It is a long time since we played Torquay at the Recreation Ground and certainly a long time since we beat them' – Adam Parker

Barton batsman Shaun Needham – top scorer against Torquay

CONRAD SUTCLIFFE REPORTING

THE celebrations went on long into the night after Barton defeated arch-rivals Torquay by four wickets.

Torquay were all out for 140 – Tom Drake and Kesh Wojerathna both making 29 – which Barton knocked off with more than nine overs un-bowled.

Adam Parker, currently Barton’s non-playing captain due to a recent shoulder operation, said it was a win to savour for his side.Stuart Bowker - three wickets for Barton at Torquay

“It is a long time since we played Torquay at the Recreation Ground and certainly a long time since we beat them,” said Parker.

“We bowled well to restrict them – should actually have been 20-30 less than it was – then batted sensibly picking the right ball and knocked them off.

“It was a great win, thanks to a big team effort and I am proud of every player. We have a bit of momentum now so need to capitalise on it.”

Chris Kelmere, the Torquay skipper, said his team’s enforced two-week sabbatical due to Covid-alerts was a contributing factor to a ‘disappointing’ defeat.

“You could tell which was a team who hadn't played in a few weeks,” said Kelmere. 

“Any momentum we had was gone but we should have been good enough to have got a result despite the situation. 

“Credit to Barton for capitalising on a few off decisions. Having had a big wake-up call we look forward to Budleigh Salterton this Saturday.

Matt Lipton (3-35) and Stuart Bowker (3-23) were Barton’s main wicket takers at the Recreation Ground.

Shaun Needham (43) and Adrian Lipton (22) sparked off the chase with a 62-run stand. Aaron Hearn made a further 26-run dent in the deficit.