Overseas XI too strong for League XI in revived challenge match

Ruben Minnaar accumulating his half-century during the challenge match at Bovey Tracey

THE revived annual challenge match between a Tolchards Devon League XI and an Overseas XI proved such a success it is likely to be repeated next year.

The game was regular mid-season event on the fixture list for the best part of a decade before being shelved a few years ago due to organisational difficulties.Elliott Moses pulls a ball for four

Martin Causey, a long-time playing member of Ashburton CC, thought the time was right to revive the fixture and collaborated with near neighbours Bovey Tracey to get the game on again.

The Overseas XI won a high-scoring 50-over game by 48 runs, but can expect the gauntlet to be thrown down for a rematch next year.

“It was a successful day with people watching a game of nearly 600 runs and 15 wickets – and seeing some fine overseas players from clubs outside the Premier Division they might not always see,” said Nigel Mountford, the Bovey Tracey chairman.

“A slightly stronger League XI might be needed to beat the Overseas XI and it would be good to try and do that next season.”

Overseas XI openers Phil Snyman (33) and Ruben Minaar (51) used the conditions well and put on 92 for the first wicket.

Minnaar hit well straight and a Snyman unfurled a cover-drive to envy

Dinesh Raheja (64) and Elliott Moses (77) added another 133 together for the third wicket. Both batted with class. 

Cullompton’s Jamal Anwar (36) and Shane Yelverton (18) helped the Overseas XI post 318 for seven.

League XI bowling honours were taken by Toby Codd (3-16), Brendon Parr (2-45) and Jono Colgate (1-28). 

The League XI set off in hot pursuit with openers James Westlake (20) and Jamie Khan (47) putting on 49 for the first wicket. 

Colgate 61, Parr 22, Codd 20 and in particular Adrian Pullin, who hit 42 in quick time off 36 balls despite being hit on the head by a bouncer, kept the chase alive

Man of the match Adrian Pullin flanked by award judges Pat Collings (left) and Brian EdwardsThe League XI finished on 270 for eight. 

The Overseas bowling was always tight and threatening. Matt Crampton (3-44) and Aiden Phillips (2-39) topped their bowling stats.

Pullin took the Tolchards man of the match award – a magnum of champagne - for his spin bowling and entertaining 42 at a crucial time in the game. 

Overseas XI 318-7 (E Moses 77, D Raheja 64, R Minnaar 61, J P Snyman 33, J Anwar 36; T Codd 3-38, B Parr 2-37), Tolchards Devon League XI 270-8 (J Colegate 61, A Pullin 42, J Khan 47; A Phillips 2-39, M Crampton 3-44). Overseas XI bt Devon League XI by 48 runs.