CLYST ST GEORGE 145-3 (20pts) beat UPLYME & LYME REGIS 144 (4pts) by seven wickets

UPLYME & Lyme Regis were blown away by a destructive 87 from Ben Pullan at Clyst St George, who took a seven-wicket victory in their Devon League D Division East clash.

After winning the toss and electing to bat, Uplyme lost openers Eddie Clarke (3) and Charlie Moss (5) to leave the visitors on 19-2 before Mark Brimicombe (22) rebuilt with Tyler Wellman.

Their partnership of 52 was ended when Brimicombe was bowled by Ben Jackson (1-30), but Wellman (37) continued with good support from Tim Daniel (16) as Uplyme posted 144 all out, aided by 45 extras.

In reply, Pullan was in sparkling form, just clearing Harvey Brimicombe’s first ball to plunder four boundaries and six sixes.

Clyst lost Freddie Creer (3) to Neil Price (1-45) early on but when Wellman (1-18) finally dismissed Pullan at 122-2 the damage was done and Chris Ferro (26no) guided the hosts home with 22.5 overs left.

Speaking to the Bridport News, secretary Derek Wellman was satisfied with his club’s display despite the loss.

He said: “We batted responsibly and Tyler had 37. A few others chipped in and to get to 144 with the wickets like they are was a good effort.

“Bowling wise we bowled tight but their lad had a few swings and he had 87 out of their innings. We bowled it on the spot and he had a bit of luck, just clearing Harvey at mid-off.

“It was just one of those things, overall it was very encouraging.”

Uplyme next face Sandford Seconds, who were bowled out for a paltry 28 by Chardstock last time out, at King George V Playing Fields on Saturday (1.30pm), and Wellman expects talisman Steve Batey to return.

He said: “We’ve got one or two coming back, Steve is available and he’s worth two players with his batting and bowling.”

Captain Lloyd Thomas may return after the Sandford game.