PLYMSTOCK’S lead at the top of the B Division has been cut to six points after they tumbled to defeat in the derby date with Tavistock.

Jack Horton top scored for Plymstock with 65 in a total of 228 all out.

Ian Gray nailed an unbeaten century for Tavistock, who cruised to victory with six wickets in hand and 13 balls to spare.

Plymstock are still top, but their lead over second-placed Ottery is now down six points.

Tavistock sit fifth in the table, 34 points behind Ottery and Ivybridge in second place.

Scott Mansfield, the Plymstock captain, felt is side under performed, although having to field without strike bowler Bronte Bess due to sickness didn’t help.

“We looked to be on for 250-260 at one stage during our innings,” said Mansfield.  

“We had a109-run partnership between myself (45) and Horton (65) but both got out in quick succession along with last week’s run getter Josh  Hocken.  

“James Nicholls led the tail with 36 along with Bess (16) and Blackmore (19).

“On a pitch that was playing true throughout the day, any four-ball offered generally went to the ropes

It was always going to be tough but to lose Bronte Bess to illness after three overs was less than ideal as that was the last we saw of him.”

Part of the reason Plymstock didn’t perform with the bat was a five-wicket display from Tavvy pacer James McGahey, who took out both openers, removed the always-dangerous Nicholls and mopped up the tail.

Skipper Shaun Daymond (2-35) had a couple of wickets as well.

Tavvy were always in the driving seat after Dave Ball (25), Gray and Daymond got them to 134 for two.

Nicholls (3-48) slowed things down for a while, but at 163 for four James White joined Gray.

Gray finished unbeaten on 110 – 14 fours and two sixes – and White was on 37 not out when the winning post was passed.

Winning captain Daymond said his side could feel pleased with their efforts.

“Plymstock got off to a flyer and at 148-2 with 20 overs left we were looking at a big total to chase,” said Daymond.

“Our bowlers stuck to it and to keep Plymstock to 228 was a great effort. James McGahey was unplayable and deserved his five wickets. “Young James White bowled a great spell to get rid of Horton.

“Ian Gray batted brilliantly and timed his innings perfectly. James White finished really well.

“It was a good, all-round performance against the best side in this division.”