Kerton bats on to see Plymstock to victory in top-of-the-table clash | ' Hal again showed what a great player he is. He didn’t give a chance and batted superbly' – James Nicholls

Hal Kerton – match-winning knock for Plymstock against Cornwood

HAL Kerton hit an unbeaten 79 to ensure Plymstock of a two-wicket win over Cornwood 2nd XI in the C West top-of-the-table tussle.

Cornwood had won four in a row on their way up to third in the table going into this match and gunning for the leaders’ scalp.

The Corns had plenty to do after being held to 209 for four in their 45 overs, but when they had Plymstock 119 for six in reply looked the more likely winners.

Kerton, who went in a 30 for two, batted through to see Plymstock creep over the line with five balls to spare.

Opener Ben Griffiths top scored for Cornwood with 84 and shared in a stand of 112 for the fourth wicket with James Richardson that took the total to 188 for four.

Richardson was still there on 64 not out at the end of the innings.

Seb Jordan (1-24) and Tom Mitch (0-21) were the meanest of Plymstock’s bowlers. Billy Gibson (2-52) was the only one with more than one wicket.

Josh Hocken (20) and Mitch (23) both supported Kerton during the Plymstock chase. 

The key stand was one of 55 between Kerton and Jordan (33) that slowed Cornwood’ bowling momentum.

At 182 for eight with four overs to go and Jordan out, the game was back in the balance. The pressure was relieved during one over from Cornwood skipper Dart that cost 15 runs.

Rob Cunningham, who hit Dart for a four and a six, was 14 not out when the winning post was passed.

James Nicholls, the Plymstock captain, said it was a game won the ‘hard way’ with some valuable lessons learned.

“We were terrible in the field and simple, dropped catches nearly cost us the game,” said Nicholls. 

“We should have been chasing 150 and ended up chasing 210, but to get over the line how we did was fantastic.

“Credit to Cornwood, who pushed all the way and showed the standards we need to be hitting in the field.

“In years gone by we would have been rolled for 150. Hal again showed what a great player he is. He didn’t give a chance and batted superbly. 

“Mitchy, Sebbo and the lower order batted aggressively and swung it back our way.”

Opposite number Dart said: “A few missed opportunities in the field for us when the game was getting close could've changed the course of the result, but it wasn't to be.”

“The game was defined by two outstanding innings, Ben with another great performance for us, which will have him knocking on the door to play Premier cricket next week, and Hal, who was faultless in the chase.

“I can't fault my lads at all. Everyone gave their all. Lessons will be learned and we'll look to get back to winning ways this Saturday.”

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