ABBOTSKERSWELL stayed hard behind Alphington at the top of the table by beating visiting Bridestowe by 22 runs.

In-form pair Charlie Mitchell (47) and Alex Birt (48) were Abbots’ main run-getters in a tally of 167 all out. Noah Tobais was unbeaten on 23.

Tim Shaw (3-38) and Naz Khan (2-17) shared the bowling honours for Bridestowe.

Khan then made 25 in Bridestowe’s total of 145 all out – 33 of which were extras.

Connor Adams led the bowling effort with four for 20, aided and abetted by Elliot Adams (3-35) and Tobias and Ricky Small-Boyce with two each.

The gap between Alphas and Abbot remains at four poiints with Stoke Gabriel now a distant third 36 points behind.

Charlie Hill, the Abbotskerswell skipper, said a good performance in the field made up for an indifferent batting display.

“After a good start to the game the team we weren't very happy with the total we made,” said Hill.

“I felt we were 60-80 runs short on a very good wicket. Luckily our bowlers saved us again bowling very tight.

“We took all our catches and fielded well to restrict Bridestowe’s scoring throughout the innings.

“At the end of the day we are happy with the win.

“We push on to ths week away at Chelston and Kingskerswell -  let's see how it goes!”

BABBACOMBE batted Stoke Gabriel out of the game en route to a 155-run win in the derby date at Walls Hill.

Mike Pughj, Jamie Brothwell and Matt Inch all made half-century scores in Babbacombe’s 267 for five.

Iraq Thomas (2-42)  dismissed Stoke dangerman Nathan Hicks with the first ball he bowled to him – a real bonus for Babbacombe.

Only veteran Doug Ansley (24) made much impression as Stoke were skittled out for 112. Damon Calland had four for 16 and Tim Goodwin two for 19.,

Winning captain Steve Broad said the highlights were two sizeable partnerships in the Babbacombe innings.

“Pugh and Brothwell put on 120 – both scoring 63  - which set us up nicely.” Said Broad.

“Matt Inch (53), who has been promoted to four in last two weeks, and me (41 no) finished off the innings with another 87 off only seven overs.

“Two six seven for five is a huge score at our place.

“Then we took regular wickets, starting with the Hicks caught by Pugh in the gulley.

“It was a very convincing and confidence-boosting win.”

Babbacombe go to Bridestowe this Saturday afternoon. Stoke are at home to leaders Alphington.

KINGSBRIDGE moved within three points of third-placed Stoke Gabriel courtesy of a five-wicket win over visiting Chelston & Kingskerswell.

Chelston & Kingskerswell were solid at the top of the order and reached 98 for four with Steve Waters (30), Lachlan Willaton (23) and Mike Etherington (27no) the main contributors.

The visitors collapsed in a heap from 118 for five to 13 all out  - Etherington watching eight batters come and go from the other end.

Bhanu de Silva (3-29) led the wicket-taking effott, aided and abetted by Neal Peach, Olly Robinson and Will Pike with two each.

“They got off to a flyer on a hard track and rapid outfield, but we kept high standards in the field and once the first wicket fell to a good catch we put the squeeze on,” said Kingsbridge captain James Westlake

“Bhanu and Will Pike bowled tightly and under-15 Olly Robinson took wickets straight away.”

Kingsbridge had all the time in the world as the asking rate was around three an over.

Westlake, who top scored with 53, said it was just as well time wasn’t an issue.

“Batting wise we took our time chasing a small target as with little pace on the ball we had to work for our runs,” said the captain.

Mean bowling by Chris Harrison (0-23) and Pat Duke (2-23) in nine overs spells kept Kingsbridge quiet.

Josh Hurrell took two for 19 late in the day, but Will Dorey saw Kings home with an unbeaten 21.

ROB Gaylard and Dan Winsor steered Plymouth CS&R to an eight-wicket win in the basement clash with Whitchurch.

Dan Ellard picked up four wickets for 15 runs to pack Whitcurch off for 130.

Billy Barrilball (35) and brother Charlie (28) got Wayfarers up to 119 for five – then Ellard demolished the lower order.

Civil had a wobble to start with as openers Declan Schroeder and Ellard were out with 11 on the board.

Gaylard (54) and Winsor (43) knocked-up 119 without mishap to win the game with more than 17 overs to spare.