North Devon hand-out 10-wicket hiding to Cornwood | 'Knocked them off fairly comfortably to complete an important win and keep our unbeaten home record' – Tom Popham

North Devon batters Ben Howe and Darren Butler make their way off after clinching victory over Cornwood

By CONRAD SUTCLIFFE

CORNWOOD were on the blunt end of a 10-wicket clubbing against North Devon, who knocked off 182 to win with 20 over to spare.

Cornwood were ultimately held to a total of 181 for nine in 50 overs, which was a little disappointing after they had been 75 for one before halfway.

Losing five wickets getting from 75 for one to 96 for six knocked the stuffing out of the Cornwood middle order.

North Devon got to 132 for none in reply then lost opener Dan Bowser with an injury.

South African prop Darren Butler replaced Bowser and the change of personnel made no difference as North Devon had the game won eight over later without further mishap.

Matt Skeemer, who skippered Cornwood in the absence of Elliott Staddon, said the loss of five wickets so close together was pivotal.

“We got ourselves in a good position with the bat then had a really poor period that left us well short of a good score,” said Skeemer.

“They batted very well combined with us being well off it with the ball and in the field. 

“It was a day to forget for us and we'll be better next week.”

Craig Harris, who was second out for Cornwood on 75, made a patient 33 and Skeemer dug in for 22 off 47 balls to prevent the slide becoming a rout.

Harry Woolway – in at 96 for six – batted through to the end for an unbeaten 34 and was involved in stands worth 85.

Josh Atkinson, North Devon’s in-form seamer, had four more wickets for 34 runs. Butler and George McEndoo bagged two each.

Bowser was on 63 from 64 balls – 10 fours and a six – when his involvement in the game ended due to cramp.

Surviving opener Ben Howe (69no) and Butler (31no) wrapped-up the game with the minimum of bother.

Tom Popham, the North Devon captain, said keeping a lid on Cornwood’s batters was key to winning the game.

“We bowled well to keep Cornwood to a well-below par score of 180,” said Popham.

 “Josh Atkinson bowled well to take four wickets and was backed up by a tight spell from George McEndoo.

"Knocked them off fairly comfortably to complete an important win and keep our unbeaten home record since the start of last season.”