Devon Cricket League 1st XI A division

Cornwood 233 for 6,

Tavistock 68 all out;

Cornwood (20 points) beat Tavistock (three) by 165 runs

Promotion contenders Cornwood took another step closer to a possible title-decider in a eight days’ time against current leaders Brix­ham.

The Corns proved far too good for Tavistock, posting a target of 233-6, Chris Parker the main contributer with a fine 57. He was well supported by Hall with 44 not out and Skeemer with 36.

In reply, Tavistock never threatened to come close, being dismissed for 68 to ensure Cornwood picked up the full 20 points from the fixture.

The star bowlers were Adam Goodliffe, who took 4-21, and Matt Butterworth, who claimed three wickets while conceding just a solitary run.

Skipper Jason Hall was pleased with his side’s performance, saying: ‘It was a great effort from all the team, including those involved with preparing the ground after the rain in the week to get the game played.

It was an excellent knock from Chris, allowing others to bat around him, with steady runs from Matt Skeemer and James Horgan, allowing the lower order of Hall, Harris and Staddon to propel to final score.

‘Our bowlers once again put the ball in the right areas, Adam Goodliffe bowling with excellent control to pick up four wickets, Craig James again bowling well, followed by Butterworth and Skeemer picking up the remaining wickets.

‘The fielding again was excellent, with a spectacular catch by the returning James Horgan.’

The team still sit just six points behind table-toppers Brixham with two games left.

Tomorrow they face a tough trop to fourth-placed Bradninch, but win that and they set up a winner takes all clash at their home ground of Oak Park against Brixham

The second XI also had a win to move up to fourth in the 2nd XI premier division.

Against Paignton they batted first and totalled 187 all out, Dart top-scoring with 68, then bowled out the home side for 128, Baker and Tamsett claiming three wickets each.

Cornwood thirds had an emphatic nine-wicket win against Kings­bridge and the fourths made it a clean sweep on their visit to Abbots­kerswell.

Club spokesman Nick Goodliffe looked ahead to the club’s maiden cup final appearance, saying: ‘There is excitement building at club looking towards next Sunday’s Devon Senior Cup final against Plymouth CC.

‘Two coaches will be transporting the Corn­wood Army, with many others making their own way to Heath­coat.

‘Team spirits remain high as we enter this exciting “business end” of the season.’