As the season enters the second half, Honiton took the short trip through the lanes to Ottery for a local derby on Saturday, July 3. With the uncertain weather conditions predicted there were concerns the game could be reduced or ended by rain, however as the day progressed the weather improved and large spells of the game were played in bright sunshine whilst the rain thankfully stayed away.

Skipper Dave Haysom confidently called heads at the toss and the coin came down tails and the Ottery skipper asked us to have a bat. With a firm dry wicket and drying outfield this wasn't a bad outcome for us.

Haysom and Andrew Lapping strode confidently to the crease and it was Lapping who started the more confident with a couple of cover drives straight off the middle of his bat. However, in the 4th over Lapping was trapped in front of the stumps to one that nipped back and kept low. James Matravers joined Haysom and together they worked through a largely challenging 20 overs together taking the score to 101 before Haysom was caught at deep square leg off another mis-hit for 44. James Matravers remained assured at the crease, displaying a mix of patience and aggression, ending with a top score of 83 (8x4 & 2x6) whilst taking the sides total through to 202 when he was out in the 42nd over. Other contributions to the total came from Ben Kennell (18), Pete Matravers (20) and Willy Graham (21) as the Honiton innings closed on 222 for 6.

Whilst Honiton had runs on the board it would require an all-round good start to keep on top of the Ottery batting. Otter's openers took the attack to the Honiton side and had some fortune with the boundary being reached on several occasions from mid-placed strokes. After 8 overs and already 53 on the board Ian Kelly was introduced to the attack and together with James Matravers the runs slowed slightly and Honiton were rewarded with the first wicket in the 16th over for Kelly with 86 on the board. Looking for wickets Honiton changed the bowlers regularly and there were was a wicket each for Corey Lapping and Robert Ingram, with 2 wickets for Willy Graham who joined Matravers as most economical with their spells both going at 4 runs an over. Generally though, Honiton's bowling lines, ground fielding and catching need to improve as Ottery were able to complete the run chase with for the loss of 6 wickets with more than 6 overs remaining.

Player of the Day goes to James Matravers for his 83 runs, for bowling particularly well without being rewarded with any wickets and taking a catch.

Overall it was a disappointing result for Honiton, returning with 8 points and some damaged egos. There is plenty to work on in training this week and we hope for a good turnout. Placed in mid-table with 8 games and 160 points to play for we still have the chance to win promotion from the E division but we need to improve all around and start making every game count.