Jamal Anwar - Cullompton batter made life tough for Bovey's young bowlers<br>credit: Mark Lockett

CULLOMPTON are on their way to the A Division for the first time after clinching runners-up spot in the B Division by beating Bovey Tracey 2nd XI by seven wickets.

Going into round 16 of 16 it was a case of perm any one from four teams vying to join champions Seaton on the way up.

Kilmington, Cullompton, Thoverton and Plymstock were all chasing one place in a day of high drama.

Although Plymstock won at Brixham and Thorverton defeated Kilmington, it was Cullompton who were in the best seat of all when the music stopped.

Bovey, whose second-team status precluded them from going up even though they were second on Saturday morning, were bowled out for 209 in the last of their 45 overs.

Jason Parr, a promotion-winning captain in is first season at the helm, said: “We hadn't actually been in the top two at any point this season until after we played that final game, which made it even more exciting. 

“After a poor run mid-season we showed a lot of fight to turn our season back around and win the last five games. 

“Everyone has worked so hard both on and off the pitch and we've had a fantastic team spirit even when things haven't gone well.

“I've hugely enjoyed my first year as skipper and I'm very proud of all of the lads.”

Although Parr and brother Brendon have played in the upper levels of the league with previous clubs, the A Division is uncharted territory for most of the squad.

“Next year will be a different challenge again and we will need to improve in all areas to be able to compete,” said skipper Parr.

“We have a very young side and are improving all the time and I'm sure we'll be quick learners next season and continue to improve as the season progresses. 

“We are absolutely relishing the challenge and I'm really looking forward it already.”

Tom Andrew, who went in at 45 for two, was last man out for a top score of 88. Derek Perry, Sam Russell and Archie Christophers all made 26s.

Jacob Dienes, Prendon Parr and Todd Scrace kept the runs down, which left James Vincent (3-56) and Nathan Vincent (3-21) to knock over the wickets.

Cully’s run chase was a formality once openers James Blackmore (46) and Jamal Anwar hoisted 151.

By the time Anwar was second out for 106 off 82 balls – 14 fours, four sixes – the target was 19 to win, Brendon Parr (30no) made most of them.

Although Bovey were ineligible for promotion due to their 2nd XI status, skipper Jeremy Christophers still wanted the kudos of finishing second.

Christophers admitted to a tinge of disappointment, but said there was a lot to feel satisfied about following promotion last season.

“Overall we have had a great first season in very competitive B Division,” said Christophers.

“Finishing just three points off the runners-up spot having only had 23 points on the board at the end of May is a huge achievement.”

Reflecting on the game against Cullompton, Christophers said bowling to a First Class pro such as Anwar was a learning exercise for his young players.

“Jamal took the game of the way from us early in the Cullompton innings,” said Christophers.

“Bowling to him was very challenging for our young bowlers, who were bowling top of off-stump, only to be clipped the way through mid-wicket.

“That resulted in Cullompton getting off to racing start, which we never recovered from, this is the first time this season that we've had a 'system failure' in our bowling.

“Earlier Tom Andrew showed a great deal of composure to compile a well-made 88. He's a very valuable batsman at this level of cricket. 

“Tom was well supported lower down with some big-hitting from two youngsters, Sam Russell and Archie Christophers each contributing 26 runs at better than a run a ball.”

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