Jackson Thompson, who picked up three wickets for Cornwood against Plympton<br>credit: @ppauk

PREMIER WEST

By CONRAD SUTCLIFFE

PLYMOUTH share top spot in Premier West with Cornwood following a 31-run win over Paignton at Queen’s Park.

Opener James Degg was Plymouth’s early order run getter with 59 in a running total of 93 for five.

Although the early order was a bit of a let down, the bottom half came up trumps with runs from Dan Goodey (32), Richard Goldsby-West (27) and Sam Stein (21) all contributing to a total of 202 all out.

Connor Ashworth (3-38) did the damage to Plymouth’s early order, which left Luke Medlock (4-12) to deal with the bottom half.

Paignton were all out for 171 in reply, no one making more than George Allen (37).

There were plenty of chip-in scores – Medlock, George Benton and Archie Farkins all got into the 20s – but one more big score to win the match eluded Paignton.

Dan Goodey (4-18) led the bowling effort and there were two wickets each for Matt Petherbridge and Richard Goldsby-West.

That’s two wins in two completed starts for Plymouth and only two dropped points.

Winning captain Jon Varcoe said: “It was another great team performance from the lads. 

“James Degg looked a class above at the top and once again our lower order chipped in with aggressive cameos.

“All our bowlers bowled with good control. Goodey was outstanding with the ball up top, bowling with good pace and swing.”

A SKIPPER’S knock from Matt Skeemer saw Cornwood to a four-wicket win over Plympton in the derby clash at Oak Park.

After Aaron Richards (41) gave Cornwood a start chasing 153 to win, they lost their way as Jacob Caunter (3-40) and Jonty Walliker (2-15) removed the bulk of the early and middle order in a collapse to 89 for five.

Skeemer with a patient 36 not out, supported by George Thompson (23) got the Corns over the line with exactly eight overs to spare.

Plympton’s total of 152 all out was largely constructed around a stand of 93 between Elliot Hamlton (42) and Harry Kandampully (47).

Once Hamilton fell to Adam Talbott (4-16) wickets tumbled to him and Jackson Thompson (3-21) as 94 for one became 115 for eight.

Tail-enders Josh Caunter (18) and Craig Donohue (13) gave Plympton’s bowlers something to defend.

Skipper Skeemer may have been the match winner, but afterwards he wanted to share the credit around, starting with newcomer Adam Talbott, who has switched from Plymouth.

“Adam Talbott was really impressive with the ball and looks to be a great addition to the club,” said Skeemer. 

“We did really well to pull the game back after they made a strong start and restrict them to a score we were always happy chasing.”

Justin Wubbeling, the Plympton captain, said the absence of middle-order runs proved a problem. 

“On a tough pitch for batting we were once again looking good at 94 for one,” said Wubbeling.

“I felt Craig and Josiah showed some good fight to get us up to 152 considering we had been 118 for eight.”

Wubbeling said he could not fault the bowling effort, but that lack of runs came back to haunt the side.

“We bowled and fielded well and I thought we had Cornwood in trouble at 89 for five,” said Wubbeling.

“Matt played a good captain’s knock and it was evident that we were 30-40 runs short. “

“It was a good game that could have gone either way.”

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