Five wickets for Christophers (pictured) highlight of Bovey Tracey's win over Devon Lions | Van Staden leads run chase

DEVON Lions lost a 40-over match at Bovey Tracey by two wickets in a game marking the host club’s 175th anniversary celebrations.

Luke Medlock, Paignton’s in-form batter, top scored with 98 for the Lions in an all-out total of 221.

Medlock appeared to be heading for a century when he moved on to 98 by smashing Bovey spinner Will Christophers down the ground for four.

Two balls later Medlock skipped down the track with another assault in mind, and was comprehensively bowled.

Louis Morison (21) and Harry Passenger (45) were the only other Devon batters to make much progress against Bovey Tracey’s largely spin-orientated attack.

It may have been a friendly occasion, but the team management will have noted how casually some of the wickets were given away.

Christophers, a Devon one-day regular until this season, topped Bovey’s bowling returns with a five-for-41 haul.

Highlight of the out-cricket played by Bovey was a diving catch by guest ‘old boy’ Andy Fairbairn, who threw himself sideways to dismiss Oli Gribble off Christophers.

Bovey Tracey got to 31 for three in reply before their chase really got going.

South African Slade van Staden soon settled in – he hit Jasper Presswell for two fours in the first over he faced – and anchored the rest of the pursuit with an unbeaten 58.

Christophers (23) supported along the way, as did Bovey captain Seb Ansley with a typically rumbustious 43 off 22 balls. Bradley Causey sped Bovey to victory with a quickfire 20 not out.

Seamer Andy Donovan picked-off two of Bovey’s top three on his Lions debut, and there were two more wickets for skipper and spinner Jack Ford (2-32).

Ford had no complaints at all about the result.

“Bovey completely deserved their win, and were the better team in all three aspects,” said Ford.

“Luke Medlock batted superbly for us and it was a great shame he didn't quite make it to his 100. 

“Van Staden was a class above everyone else, making a chanceless 58 not out, and Will Christopher's bowled a great spell that had our middle order in trouble most balls he bowled.

“Irrespective of the cricket, and the result on the pitch, it was a great day to be part of.”