Dad and daughter share 98 run stand

SKIPPER Robin Dart has all-but written-off Cornwood 2nd XI's promotion chances following an unexpected 34-run defeat at Dartington & Totnes

- CONRAD SUTCLIFFE

The form book suggested the game would be a chance for Cornwood to rediscover their winning touch after two defeats had cost them the divisional leadership. Dartington & Totnes had not won a game prior to Saturday.

After dismissing their South Hams rivals for a modest 172, the odds on a Cornwood win seemed short.

Cornwood were stopped in their tracks by Dartington & Totnes' veteran off-spinner Chris Cook, whose seven-for-21 haul played a big part in bowling them out for 138.

Dart said his team was not at full strength, but even so could and should have done better.

"We had lots of regulars missing but all the bowlers in from the third team Harrison Hodge, Danny Skeemer, and Tom West - performed but were let down by the regulars," said Dart.

"Three losses from three poor performances has effectively put paid to our chances of promotion.

"We certainly won't give up but it feels already like we're going to need a miracle." Cornwood are 25 points behind leaders Stoke Gabriel with eight games left to get ahead of them and claim the sole promotion place in the division.

Dartington & Totnes, whose side showed seven changes from the one defeated by Ivybridge in its previous game, had more extras (48) in the scorebook than individual runs off the bat. Josh Orrell (32) led D&Ts batting effort, aided an abetted by Alastair Selby (23), Cook (20) and David Carter (18).

West, with two for 15 from eight overs, topped Cornwood's bowling returns.

Cornwood were 45 for two when Cook started bowling at them... and 103 for nine when he finished. Dart was Cook's first victim for a top score of 22. Joe Davies was the last for a six-ball duck.

ANDY Birkett hit a top score of 63 to take Yelverton Bohemians in sight of a two-wicket win over relegation worriers Ashburton.