Woodbury's promotion hopes took a serious dent as they suffered defeat to third-placed Halberton & Sampford Peverell.
Invited to bat on a damp pitch, Woodbury struggled through large parts of their innings, taking 20 overs to reach fifty and 35 to the first batting point. A partnership of 29 for the third wicket between Tim Greenslade (32) and Jeff Cooper (24) was the best that was offered, and only debutant Martin Jones with a quick-fire 26 from 16 balls gave any hope of a decent score. Dave Kruge (four for 30), Jeremy Turner (three for 24) and Fred Harding (two for 44) all caused problems for Woodbury's batsmen as the away team were bowled out for 137 in 43 overs.
To have any chance of defending a small target, Woodbury needed to take every chance that came their way, but they were to drop Tom Sambrook on four occasions as the opener effectively won the match with 72 (10 fours and two sixes). John Chilcott backed with 31 in a partnership of 51 for the second wicket with Sambrook, although Chilcott was fortunate to survive a close lbw call to his first ball. Mickey Beer (three for 25) and Neil Richards (three for 47) kept Woodbury in the hunt, but the home team reached 138 for seven in 39.3 overs.
Woodbury travel to league leaders Yelverton Bohemians this Saturday, and are drinking in the last chance saloon if they are to achieve their goal of promotion this season.
Halberton & Sampford Peverell 18pts, Woodbury 5pts.