STOKE Gabriel returned to the top of the B Division table thanks to a five-wicket win over basement side Chudleigh.
Barton, who were top, were ousted by a narrow defeat away to Bideford. But it remains desperately close as only six points separate leaders Stoke (115pts) from chasers Barton (112) and Cullompton (109).
It could be ‘all-change’ again this Saturday as Stoke Gabriel entertain Barton.
Chudleigh totalled 163 for seven in a game reduced to 41 overs a side due to bad weather. Manny Bhullar scored 62 at run-a-ball rate and was supported by Tim Sandercombe (23). Bits and pieces – Rob Clarke (17) and Andy Robinson (17) – helped the score along.
Skipper Jake Robinson (3-30) and Isaac Withington (2-41) were Stoke’s leading wicket-takers.
Stoke knocked-off the runs with more than six overs to spare. Abhishek Anand (44) and Mike Meech (22) got off to a 58-run start, then Jack Tolley (29no) and Robinson (49no) put on 77 unbroken to win it.
Will Heather (3-37) and Clarke (2-23) were Chudleigh’s only wicket-taking bowlers.
Robinson said although Chudleigh were no push-overs, Stoke made winning more difficult than it should have been.
“There were a few points where we really could have put the game to bed, but they kept at it with bat and ball and it was competitive until the end.
“Got a bit nervy with the bat but there's more confidence in the camp in the depth now which takes the pressure off.”
In the league below, Paignton 2nd XI ousted Ivybridge from top spot by inflicting an eight-wicket defeat on them in the top-of-the-table tussle at Queen’s Park.
Ivybridge’s 40-over total of 168 for nine always looked a little below par, which Paignton proved by knocking it off with more than 11 overs to go.
Also, Kingsbridge crashed to a 91-run defeat in the C Division West away to fast-improving Brixham.
Brixham’s total of 165 for six in a full 45-over game may have looked modest, but it was too many for Kingsbridge, who were bowled out for just 74.
Dropping down another division and Ivybridge 2nd XI fell to a seven-wicket defeat against D West promotion chasers Babbacombe, who polished-off 148 to win with time on their hands.
Lastly, Dartington & Totnes are still hovering just above the D West drop spots following a five-wicket defeat by visiting Kenn.
Opener Justin Osborne made a top score of 111 – his second league ton of the season so far – in Dartington & Totnes’ total of 203 for five.
Osborne did not hang about at the crease. He faced 60 balls and hit 15 of them for four as well as three sixes.
