BIDEFORD eased to an eight wicket win over Barton to stay hard on the heels of new leaders Tavistock at the top of the table.

It seems to be all change every week in the B Division this season with Bideford, Ipplepen, Shobrooke and now Tavistock taking a turn.

Only 18 points separate the top five and with nine games to go it is wide open for the two promotion places.

Barton, minus the services of skipper Adam Parker who was on new dad duty in the maternity ward, were all out for 150 with more than seven overs to go.

Opener Shaun Needham made a long 43 at the top of the order but only had back-up from Harry Moores in a running total of 83 for seven.

Jon Martin, already in by then, tugged the lower order along on his way to 38. He was last man out.

Bideford shared the wickets round with two each for skipper Paul Heard (2-23), Fred King (2-26) and Jamie Lathwell (2-23).

Bideford got a 32-run start through Matt Shepherd (21) and James Ford (35).

Ford fell at 89 having added 57 for the second wicket with Tom Brend.

Brend (58no) and Jason Bartolo (25) wiped out the rest of the runs in a stand of 66 unbroken.

Winning skipper Heard felt Bideford probably chased more than they had to.

“We bowled well for 30 overs but with two wickets left let Barton get 30 too many,” said Heard.

“Our batsmen were clinical and never let Barton settle with the ball.”

“Tom Brend led the run chase and was well supported by Jayson Bartolo.”

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