Axminster skipper laments teams poor show in top of the table clash

Axminster tasted defeat for the first time in this season’s Francis Clark Devon League C Division campaign when beaten by 69 runs at Bideford.

Skipper Tristan Wakeley had his hands tied at the toss which he went into knowing that two of his team had to get away early.

He pulled no punches post match saying: “We were outclassed, simple as that. No excuses, the better team won on the day. They (Bideford) did use home advantage to great effect, exploiting the conditions very efficiently. Some of their bowling was excellent and three of our lads fell caught behind to some superb away swing”.

Both teams went into the game with perfect five wins from five matches this term, but at stumps it was the North Devon side sitting pretty at the top of the table.

The hosts batted first and posted a commanding total of 245-7 with Nick Taylor the most successful visiting bowler with a return of 3-70. Axminster did not help their cause by putting down no fewer than five catches!

Paul Miller led the run chase with a superb knock from the number three slot. Miller was one of those needing to get away early, but as he didn’t get out he was still there at stumps unbeaten on 89!

The only other batsmen to make progress was Bret Garner with 22 as the Axminster reply closed on 176-8.

On Saturday Axminster host Ipplepen side that sit sixth, three places and 26 points below the Cloakham lawn side.

Wakeley summed the day up saying: “We’ll need to bounce back quickly and the players will, have an intense midweek net to shake away any lingering cobwebs for a below-par performance.”

Axminster II were emphatic eight wicket home winners over Upottery II thanks to an unbeaten century from Sean Perry (105no) who steered the hosts to 14-2 in reply to the visitors offering of 139.