STOKE Gabriel’s 101-run defeat at Bideford cost them their place in the B Division promotion spots.

Jack Ford blazed away for 101 at the top of the Bideford order to lay the platform for a team total of 252 for seven.

Ford put on 135 with James Hayter (53) and had just hoisted Isaac Withington (3-44) for six to reach his ton when he was caught and bowled by Dan Bullock in the next over.

Tom Brend (38no) and James Ford (20) kept the runs coming right to the end.

Stoke struggled to get a toehold in the chase as they were 25 for three in reply and going nowhere.

Jack Tolley made 40 and last man out Mike Smith hit 21, but Stoke needed more than a next-best of 19 from Justin Pringle to get chasing.

Jack Ford (3-44) and Martin Stewart (3-41) were backed-up by Steve Bond (2-14) in the business of bowling-out Stoke for 151.

Stoke skipper Jake Robinson admits that “The best team on the day won.”