DCL 1st XI

C Division

164 all out,

Axminster 165-2.

Kingsbridge (four points) lost to Axminster (20 points) by eight wickets

Kingsbridge played Axminster at home knowing they were in for a difficult game.

On a bright, sunny but windy day, home captain James Fletcher elected to bat first on winning the toss.

Fletcher and Westlake started well against some good early bowling, although a couple of missed chances certainly helped.

The score progressed to 47 when Westlake was somewhat surprisingly given lbw after only the wicketkeeper appealed.

When Fletcher went for 28 soon after, Kingsbridge's batting never really got going as most of the batsmen managed to get themselves out.

The off spin of Nick Taylor proved especially difficult as his spell of nine overs brought 3-11.

Kings' score of 129-9 looked very precarious but Dan Havely (23) and Neal Peach (10*) brought some respectability with 35 for te last wicket as Kings totalled 164, extras top scoring with 45.

With Axminster being a strong batting side, a good display in the field was essential, but unfortunately this was not to be.

A lacklustre fielding display, coupled with a few difficult chances going down, didn't help, especially with some wayward bowling thrown in.

Neal Peach put in a good spell, picking up an early wicket, bowling nine overs and taking 1-27.

The big hitting Hurford (69) benefited from an early drop as Axminster cruised home. Seaward, 40*, saw Axminster over the finish line with 14 overs to spare.

The match ball was kindly sponsored by Bartons Solicitors. A much-improved performance is required next week.