BOVEY Tracey 2nd XI beat Barton by six wickets to inflict a first defeat of the season on the former B Division leaders.
Barton were held to 132 for six in a rain-delayed 29-over game, which Duckworth-Lewis dictated meant Bovey had to reach 151 in the same time to be declared winners.
It proved to be a close call for Bovey, who edged home with just five balls remaining.
Shaun Needham marked his return to fitness after back trouble with Barton’s top score of 49. Skippers past and present, Adam Parker and Steve Lewis, chipped-in with 21 and 20 respectively.
Bovey skipper Dan Green deployed seven bowlers including himself in search of wickets. Chris Yablsey (3-20) was the only one with more than a single scalp.
Bradley Causey (29) and Jamie Bishop (53) got Bovey away to an 85-run start, which was topped-up by Sam Robbins (26).
By the time anchorman Causey (pictured) was fourth out the target was a dozen to win. Causey faced 64 balls during his watchful stay, none of which he hit for four or six!
Green said winning the toss and putting Barton was significant as it probably put them at a disadvantage in a rain-affected game.
Green had nothing but praise for the way Bovey went about winning the game.
“Jamie and Brad did a great job and not losing wickets early made all the difference,” said Green.
Lewis admitted after the game losing the toss had unforeseen consequences as Duckworth-Lewis mitigated against his side.
“Unfortunately, DLS isn't set up for our level and teams batting first, but it is the best system to use,” said Lewis.
“Batting wise we were brilliant and partnerships were constant. Then the rain came.
“We knew a shorter format wouldn't suit us and everything went against us in that respect. “We weren't good enough in the field between overs 10-18 but proud of the lads for dragging it back and taking it to the last over.”
CLYST St George had reached 12 for one in the seventh over of their B Division game against Budleigh Salterton when rain stopped play. The man out was skipper Dan Kendall, who was caught behind off Jack England for four.
