Ivybridge one step closer to promotion

IVYBRIDGE took a massive step towards promotion from the C Division West with a crushing 216-run win over Paignton 2nd XI in the firstagainst-second clash at Filham Park.

- CONRAD SUTCLIFFE

C WEST

What was just a four-point gap between the two promotion candidates for the one place out of the division has now widened to 19.

Ivybridge are not up yet, but could he if they win at Ashburton this Saturday and Paignton drop points away to Cornwood.

Josh Zimmerman, the Ivybridge captain, is confident but not overconfident yet.

“We now have one foot back in the B Division, but know there is still work to do in our last two games, so there will be no complacency from us,” said Zimmerman.

Ivybridge hurtled along to 293 for nine before running out of overs – Cebo Tshiki top scoring on 77.

Abraham Kopparambil (36) and Zach Dunn (28) got the Bridge up to 101 for three – then Tshiki and the middle order took over.

A stand of 103 between Tshiki and Harry Solomon (38) was augmented by Adam Huxtable (28) and skipper Zimmerman (22) as the tally mounted.

George Woodcock’s three wickets for Paignton (3-90) did not come cheaply. Mark Cobb and Lewis Swar took two each.

Paignton’s top order was dismantled – with one exception – by a combination of Josh Coker (5-12) and Arthur Johnson (3-45).

The exception was former Devon skipper Neil Hancock, who was last man out for 35.

For Zimmerman it was the sort of performance expected from a promotion-chasing side.

“The lads were outstanding and it was a brilliant time for us to show off the potential we have been threatening for so long,” he said,

“Our top-eight batters all got into double figures, then our opening bowlers blew Paignton away . “It was an all-but perfect performance from us.”

■ YELVERTON’S relegation fears in the C Division West worsened following a five-wicket defeat at Ashburton.

Yelverton’s were bowled out for 92 in the 27th over, which Ashburton polished-off in one over more.