UPLYME & LYME REGIS 181-5 (19pts) beat ALPHINGTON & COUNTESS WEAR 180-9 (6pts) by five wickets

UPLYME & Lyme Regis beat old rivals Alphington & Countess Wear by five wickets to extend their remarkable unbeaten start to the Devon League C Division East season.

In a battle of the promoted sides, Uplyme had slightly better form coming into the game, having won all four of their previous games, whereas Alphington had won three in four.

The visitors were also without Exeter City boss Matt Taylor, who last season blasted a magnificent 145 against Uplyme.

READ MORE: Three Uplyme batters score half-centuries at Upottery

Winning the toss proved crucial for Uplyme this time round and Martin Langford (1-6) removed opener Joseph Satt (9).

Joe Elsworth (3-38) then sent the majority of the top order packing, helping reduce Alphington to 33-4.

Mark Halse (35) hit six fours, offering resistance along with David Jarvis (5) until both men fell victim to Tyler Wellman (2-48).

Alphington skipper James Bogue, who also crashed a century against Uplyme last season, responded with 41, while Dan Heaver added 31 before both batters were hoovered up by Jack Lamb-Wilson (2-13).

Alphington prevented Uplyme taking full bowling points, closing on 180-9, and they also made a good start with the ball.

Uplyme were 26-2 as Langford (8) and Elsworth (4) departed but a brisk 26 from overseas star Anand Abhishek steadied the home chase.

He batted well in tandem with Mark Batey (55no), who proved to be the anchor of the innings.

Although Abhishek and captain Sam Farrow (2) fell in quick succession to leave Uplyme on 76-4, Wellman (33) supported Batey well, enabling the opener to inch towards his half-century.

The job was finished alongside brother Steve (20no), the siblings batting sensibly to guide Uplyme home to yet another impressive win.
Farrow’s men tackle Braunton away on Saturday (1pm).