Seaton suffered a hugely disappointing defeat in their B Division top-of-the-table game at Barton.

It turned out to be a contest of two very different halves for Seaton skipper Ben Morgan and his team, who bowled the home side out for 130, but were then bundled out for just 72 in reply!

Morgan said: “The wicket was slow and low and we were very happy to have them 32-4 after 10 overs.

“That became 70-7 after 27 overs and, from that position, there’s no way we should have allowed them to get up to the 130 total they did post.”

He continued: “That said, at the interval I knew that the score we faced chasing down was not going to be an easy one to get, but then I felt reasonably confident that a target of 130 was very achievable, especially if we could have just one of our batsmen stick around to let others bat around him. Sadly, we didn’t have anyone who could do the ‘sticking around’ job and we certainly did not bat to anything like the standards we have shown this season.”

Seaton’s reply saw wickets fall steadily at 15, 20, 32 and 46 before skipper Morgan was fifth man out with the Seaton score then 64-5. However, the bottom half of the order added just eight runs to leave Seaton well beaten.

Morgan said: “It’s so frustrating and a big opportunity has gone begging. The stark truth about the result at Barton comes from the fact that they [Barton] bowled better than we did and so fully deserved to enjoy the spoils of success.

“However, we have played some great cricket this season so far and this is a first defeat in some 10 weeks, and the fact remains that if we can win our last two games then we will be promoted.”

On Saturday (August 25) Seaton entertain Plymstock before they visit Cullompton on the final match day of the season a week later. Tavistock host Thorverton this Saturday and they wrap their campaign up with a visit to Ipplepen on September 1.