BIDEFORD are up to second in the B Division following a 42-run win over Ottery St Mary.

James Ford played the anchorman role with 56 in 99 minutes as a solid batting effort by Bideford yielded a total of 203 all out.

There were plenty of chip-ins, starting with Matt Shepherd (31) in an opening stand of 63 with Ford.

Skipper Paul Heard (26), Fred King (23) and Josh Atkinson (28) all kept the board clicking round.

Bideford had wickets in hand going into the last 10 overs, most of which were harvested by Alex Thurgate (4-33) and Billy Rudolph (4-43)

Ottery got to 125 for four in reply with 15 overs to go and were probably slight favourites.

Rudolph (20), Billy Reed (28), Rob Crabb (21) and Henry Mutter (24)

The chase rate slowed after that and when John Tierney was run-out for 27 it all went wrong for Ottery, who slumped from 158 for five to 161 all out – Alex Hannam (3-2) and Mike Lemmings (2-14) among the wickets.

Bideford have moved ahead of Ottery and Plymstock into second place, 19 points behind leaders Ivybridge. Having been bowled out for 105 the week before, it was an improved showing.

Ottery drop back to fourth having lost for the second week running.

“A good team performance and yet another part of our rollercoaster season,” said Bideford captain Paul Heard.

“James Ford played anchor yet again and two or three other batsmen played good cameos.

“Our bowlers were fairly disciplined and we kept Ottery under the rate and picked up wickets at good times.

“Alex Hannam did a fine job coming on late to whip out the tail.”