IPPLEPEN skipper Matt Beasant could not have been happier after his side defeated nearest neighbours Abbotskerswell by 77 runs.

Jono Colegate top scored with 67 for Pens in their 45-over total of 249 for eight, then left-arm spinner Joe Parker consigned Abbots to 172 all out with a four-wicket haul.

For Beasant it does not get much better on a cricket ground.

“A big derby win to start the season, especially away to a side that was in the A Division last year, is exactly how we wanted to start,” said Beasant.

Marcus Gadie (29) and the captain with 28 gave Pens a 75-run start before Colegate strode out when the first wicket fell.

Colegate and Reuben Stanley’s (32) stand of 96 pushed the score along to 176 for three.

Ash Harvey chipped and ran for a bright and breezy 26 while adding 55 more with Ross Kennard.

“We showed our strength in depth and know there is a lot more to come from our middle order,” said Beasant.

“Jono was a class above and there was a brilliant knock from Ash Harvey at the back end.”

A double strike by George Tapley (2.25), and a wicket for Aussie Aiden Phillips (2-29), reduced Abbots to 34 for three when James Tyler went out to joint player-coach Toby Codd.

Stands of 44 between Codd (62) and Tyler (27), then 57 between Codd and Jamie Lock (17) threatened to make a game of it.

Lock’s lbw departure was the first of the four wickets he took to win the match. Codd’s was the last.

Said Beasant: “Although Toby Codd batted really well, we always felt in control with the ball. We didn't bowl near our best, but Joe Parker showed his class.”

Codd said: “A pretty disappointing start to the season, but we're not a million miles away as a group.

“It's never nice losing to Ipplepen but we move on to Bideford this weekend. Hopefully we'll have our overseas here in time.”