Pre-season cricket round-ups — Saturday, April 6

WERRINGTON got their 2019 season off to an excellent start on Saturday as they won by 81 runs at North Devon in their opening pre-season friendly at Instow. Both sides were far from full strength but still produced an entertaining clash.

After winning the toss, Werrington knocked up 234-6 from their 45 overs with former skipper Adam Hodgson carrying his bat from start to finish for an unbeaten 103 off 131 balls, which included 12 fours.

He received good support from teenager John Moon (28) in a second-wicket stand of 76 before spinner Jack Hockin (4-51) reduced the visitors to 135-5 as he accounted for Moon before getting rid of Ben Smeeth (4), Mark Gribble (0) and vice-captain Nick Lawson (1).

However, skipper Paul Smith (25) and Tom Dinnis (39no) joined Hodgson to add some late impetus.

When North Devon batted after tea, Dinnis (2-11) took the new ball alongside Dan Barnard (1-13) and together ripped through the hosts, reducing them to 16-3.

Ben Howe (44) provided some resistance for North Devon but when Smeeth (3-33) and Hodgson (1-13) joined forces, the game looked up at 75-6.

However Hockin and James Thomas batted well to add 63 for the seventh wicket but they were all out for 153.

Werrington are on the road again this weekend when they head to East Devon to tackle A Division side Bradninch.

Bude and Tintagel squared off in a friendly at Crooklets with the hosts winning by 112 runs.

Bude rattled up 252-8 off their 40 overs with Warren Rumble (54no) and skipper Mark McManus (53no) both making half centuries before retiring.

Regular Bude second-teamer Mike Ellis took 2-10 with Dave Lane not far behind with 2-18.

In response, a weakened Tintagel managed 140 all out.

Skipper Jordan Burnard led the way with 51 while Ryan Pooley and Chris Lovegrove weighed in with 29 and 23 respectively.

Slow bowler Mike Taylor weighed in with 4-8 at the end for the hosts.