DEPLETED Bovey Tracey 1st XI went down to an eight-wicket defeat in a largely one-sided A Division encounter with Thorverton.

Bovey were all out for a modest 133 in the 43rd of their 50 overs with no one making more than Slade van Staden.

South African van Staden, batting first wicket down, made 36 before he was the third of four wickets claimed by Thorverton’s Shane Yelverton (4-33).

Sam Harvey (24) was next best for Bovey, George Daldorph (3-33) knocked him and Charlie Hill over in his second spell as the last four wickets went for 11 runs added.

Thorverton had the runs knocked off before the 20-over mark – and one of Bovey’s old boys was in at the end when they did it.

Yelverton (47no) and Andy Kingdon (35no), once of Bovey Tracey, put on 109 unbroken to clinch victory. The pair came together on 25 for two after Albie Bradley (2-21) had removed both openers.

Pete Bradley, who led Bovey in the absence of skipper Seb Ansley, said it wasn’t just the strength of the side that contributed to the result.

“Thorverton were better than us and there were a few other factors as well,” said Bradley.

“We went with six 1st XI regulars unavailable, we lost the toss and, I would say, Thorverton had the better of conditions.

“However, no excuse, Thorverton’s three seamers bowled very well and their batters came out with intent to put pressure on seamers.

A positive for us was to see our 14, 15 and 19-year-olds bowl well at experienced batters and gain experience of what it takes to deal with them.

“We will learn and move forward.”