BOVEY Tracey kept faint hopes alive of winning promotion out of the A Division with a seven-wicket victory over Thorverton.

Tavistock are only two more wins away from being mathematical certainties for one of the promotion places. Hatherleigh (193pt), Thorverton (182) and Bovey Tracey (172) appear to be in a squabble to the finish for the runners-up slot.

“It was a great win that puts us in touch once more, but makes the defeat by Torquay & Kingskerswell last week seem even more significant,” said Bovey skipper Seb Ansley.

“All we can do is keep performances coming and hope the pressure tells on those above.”

Thorverton were all out for 182 in the 47th over with George Daldorph top scoring on 75. Opener Andy Kingdon (48), once of Bovey Tracey, and Harry Choules (20) played supporting roles.

Bovey bowled Thorverton to a near standstill at times with Rob Pryke (2-22), Pete Bradley (3-24) and Ben Kay (1-34) slowing them down.

“Rob Pryke bowled a quality 10 overs straight through up top, which never let Thorverton get too far ahead of the game and involved very little bat on ball,” said Ansley.

Bovey were made to work for their runs with Yelverton (2-28) and skipper Jake Choules (0-28) particularly hard to score off.

Bovey openers Jake Pascoe (29) and Harry Mount (40) made a 70-run start to the chase, which slowed dramatically after the latter fell lbw to Yelverton.

Slade van Staden, batting first wicket down, made a watchful 63 not out to steer Bovey home. He missed the defeat at Torquay. Tom Andrew (29no) was there for the final 60 needed.

“Having Slade back was obviously a big bonus with his score being the anchor and taking the pressure off others,” said Ansley.

“Harry Mount struck the ball very well up top and set the tone for a comfortable run chase.”