Devon Cricket Board - Cornwood snatch A Division title on last day of season

Cornwood snatch A Division title on last day of season

CORNWOOD made up for their Devon Cup final disappointment in the best possible way by pinching the A Division title off Brixham on the last day of the season.
Long-time leaders Brixham – 11 weeks at the top – and second-placed Cornwood were already assured of promotion going into the final round of matches.
Cornwood knew a win at Boundary Park would wipe out the five-point gap between the teams and install them as champions.
And, after a few scares along the way, that’s what happened.
Brixham were skittled out for a measly 81 by seamers Adam Goodliffe (2-30). Craig James (5-29) and Matt Skeemer (2-17). Losing five wickets on 11 didn’t help.
Kiwi James removed dangermen Stuart Edgar and Andy Pugh for five between them, while South African run machine Matt McGillivray was out for an eight-ball duck to Goodliffe.
Mark Orchard top scored with 29 and Joel Ashworth had 15.
Cornwood struggled against McGillivray (5-18) to reach 65 for seven in reply – Skeemer making a valuable 26.
Another wicket then could have been fatal, but Elliot Staddon kept cool under pressure and his 24 not out off 20 balls got Cornwood over the line. Staddon has made a habit of winning games with big knocks down the order this term.
Skipper Jason Hall always wanted to get back in the Premier Division at the first attempt, so it was mission accomplished.
“It has been an outstanding season and one which all the club players and members should be proud of,” said Hall.
“Despite a low-scoring game, it was still a competitive affair. On a wicket obviously hampered by the weather we knew we had to put the ball in the right areas.
“Craig James bowled an outstanding 10-over spell, which he has done in recent weeks, and on this occasion he got his just rewards for all his hard work.
“We knew if we batted sensibly, straight bat and patient, we would get over the line. Brixham bowled fantastically well, but everyone chipped in with Staddon, fittingly seeing us home.”
Hall said the young players in the squad had matured since last season and he was proud of them.
He added: “The club is in good hands for the future.
“I am particularly glad Craig Harris has had a full season. He is a senior figure now and a luxury for us at seven and able to bowl important overs.
“Craig will be huge for this club moving forward.”
Hall said the influence of pro Jackson Thompson and James had been first rate.
“Their efforts on and off the field, and in the changing rooms, cannot be under estimated,” said Hall.
“I am incredibly thankful to both of them and how they have conducted themselves. The club will be forever grateful to them both.”
Hall had one more set of tributes to pay, which was to the supporters and members of the club.
“They have been outstanding in their efforts to improve this wonderful club.
“Without them the club wouldn't be where it is today and the players are all thankful.
“Throughout the season, no matter where we have played, home or away you look around the ground and we have had a tremendous following of supporters.
“To them we say thank you and Saturday was specifically for them.”

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