Cornwood 3rd XI in celebratory mood<br>credit: Conrad Sutcliffe - no re-use without copyright owner's consent

By OLLIE SMITH

CORNWOOD 3rd XI have made the Tidball Insurance Cup semi-finals for a second consecutive year after they defeated Paignton 3rd XI by five wickets.

Paignton batted first, however were soon in trouble as both openers were removed for ducks. Cornwood had Paignton 17 for four before Harry Knight (14) and Harry Roberts (40) rebuilt.

All batters from six to ten reached double figures, but none more than Harry Knight’s knock. Dan Rohde was the best of the Cornwood batters, he claimed three batters for 14 from his four overs, Joshua Whiting (2-37) also claimed a pair of wickets as Paignton struggled to 121 for eight.

Luke Temple-Smith was the man to lead the Cornwood charge, he hit an unbeaten 57 to help his side through. Temple-Smith was supported by Rocky Travers (15) and Aviral Srivastsava (17). Ethan Hancock (2-26) was the only Paignton bowler to take more than one wicket as Cornwood secured a five wicket win inside 17 overs.

North Molton's man of the moment Toby Lochead“It was a good bowling and fielding performance in the first innings meant we restricted them to 121/8 on what should have been a 150+ wicket,” said winning captain Adam Whiting, whose side reached finals day last year, too.

“Our run chase was balanced and steady knowing we only need just over a run a ball, finally getting over the line with 20 balls to spare. Luke Temple-Smith providing the back bone of our innings”

North Molton saw off Alphington & Countess Wear as they chased 161.

A&CW batter Tom Bath top scored with 75 not out, however no one else scored more than his final partner, Rick McCollum who reached 26 not out. Only two North Molton bowlers took wickets, there was one each from Olly Brown (1-36) and Toby Lochead (1-27) as A&CW reached 160 for two.

The two North Molton opening batters, Lochead (60) and Patrick Crane (37), put on a partnership of 90 to swing the game in their favour. 27 extras helped the North Molton cause, and a quick 20 from Louis Roberts, and 12 from Matthew Boundy got them over the line with one over to go. Dylan Spier was the best of the A&CW bowlers, he took three for 43.

In the last quarter-final, Kenn defeated Seaton 2nd XI by five wickets.

Hugh Stronge (two for 11) and Peter Chislett (two for 30) were the best of then Kenn bowlers as they restricted Seaton to 117 for six.

Alfie Mason spearheaded the Kenn innings with 40, the next best was Lee Parker with 18 as Kenn chased their target with two balls gone in the 17th over.