UPLYME & Lyme Regis 233-6 (14pts) drew with BABBACOMBE 167-6 (8pts)

NOT even a third-wicket stand of 118 between skipper Ashley Caddy and Steve Batey could lead Uplyme & Lyme Regis to their second victory of the Devon League E Division season.

Instead, the home side were forced to settle for a winning draw as cautious opponents Babbacombe defended for their lives.

Uplyme opened the batting and closed on 233-6 thanks to the fine efforts of Ashley Caddy (80), Batey (62) and Adam Caddy (51 not out).

The visitors appeared far from interested in chasing down that total and set about protecting their wickets at all costs.

The frustrated hosts could only claim six victims before time ran out, despite their opponents managing just 161 in 47 overs in reply.

Captain Caddy was delighted with his side’s batting display but could not hide his disappointment at Babbacombe’s approach.

He told the Lyme Regis News: “It was a better batting display from ourselves.

We took an extra batter as we hadn’t been doing too well of late but myself, Steve and Adam batted really well.

“However, from ball one they did not go for it and it was a little frustrating.

“They just seemed to be going for the losing draw.

“We tried everything possible but in the end we could not do too much about it.

“They simply had no intention of going for 233 and it got a little boring come the end.

They obviously weren’t confident of getting 233 but I suppose 14 points is better than nothing.

“The one thing I was happy with though was our batting. We needed partnerships and people to go on and make big scores, which we got.

“We didn’t bowl badly, it was just a case of them being really negative and not even trying to get close to 233.

“It was frustrating as we tried to bowl line and length but they were happy to block it all day. I don’t think they would have got there if they had another 20 overs.”

Next up for Uplyme is a date with fellow mid-table outfit Tiverton & Bickleigh this Saturday.

A village fete though has seen the clash switched to Chardstock.

Ashley Caddy, who hopes to name an unchanged line-up, added: “Fourteen points puts us back into a good position.

“The league is still pretty tight as everyone seems to be beating each other.

“It could be interesting if we get another good result on Saturday. But to do that we’ll have to play as well as last weekend.”