SOMERSET’S Jamie Overton showed he is on the road back to full fitness with runs and wickets for North Devon in their Servicesmaster Devon T20 wins over Cornwood and Budleigh Salterton.

Overton missed the start of the First Class season due to a side strain, but came through the one-day festival at Cornwood with flying colours.

Cornwood had few problems dealing with Budleigh Salterton in the opening game of the three-match festival.

Budleigh struggled to 72 for eight in their 20 overs, no one making more than James Doble (20).

Cornwood spinners Matt Tamsett and Elliot Staddon had identical bowling figures of 4-0-12-1. Adam Goodliffe set the tone with two for eight off three with the new ball.

Nathan Bell’s 34 not out guided the Corns to victory with more than six overs to go. Budleigh seamer Joel Murphy (2-17) delayed the inevitable.

It was Cornwood who found the going tough in round two when they were held to 100 for eight by North Devon.

Charlie Finan (26) and Aaron Richards (34) were the main scorers for Budleigh, who were held in check by Overton (3-11 off 4) and Ben Howe (2-13).

Ed Yeo (42) and skipper Tom Popham (42no) gave North Devon a 72-run start, which left Howe (10no) to tie up the loose ends with his captain.

Yeo was among the runs again as North Devon piled up 157 for five against Budleigh in the final game of the festival.

Yeo (38) and Howe (23) got early runs then Overton launched three sixes and a four on his way to 24 off 10 balls.

James Tyson (34no) and Jay Rothery (25no) plundered 43 unbroken in the dash for runs at the end. Ed Doble (0-21 off 4) was the most economical of the Cornwood bowlers.

Budleigh were limited to 99 for nine in reply. James England (20) top scored.

Fred King came back from a pasting in game one against Cornwood to take three for 15 as the Corns dipped to 18 for four,

Young Archie Popham (3-20) cashed in at the end as the chase tailed off.

For skipper Popham it was two workmanlike wins 

“The batters contributed with decent scores all round in both games and bowlers were disciplined and bowled to the conditions well,” said the captain.

“The young lads performed excellently. James Tyson and Jay Tothery batted superbly to set up a decent total in the first game.

“Archie Popham bowled really well taking a three for not many in the last four overs of the game.”

Matt Skeemer, the Cornwood captain, had no complaints about the outcome.

“We bowled and fielded really well in the first game keeping Budleigh to a score well below par,” said Skeemer.

“North Devon batted far better than we did in the second game and deserved to win.”

Already through to the quarter-finals are Heathcoat and Sandford. Plymouth, holders Exmouth and Sidmouth meet in the pool-four festival at Mount Wise this Sunday.