ABBOTSKERSWELL made it three wins on the trot and four in the last five starts when they defeated Shobrooke Park by six wickets to go joint second in the B Division table.

Victory put Abbots level on points with arch rivals Ipplepen and 19 points behind leaders Bideford with six games to go.

Skipper Chris Simpson top scored with 59 for Shobrooke in their 200 for five. Andrew Codling (43) and Craig James (23) chipped in.

Abbots were home and hosed with time overs to spare.

Charlie Mitchell (28) and James Fulner (30) gave Abbots a start. Tom Keily (64no) and Charlie Hill (37) wrapped things up.

“It was a great result in what were tough playing conditions and good to come away with the win,” said skipper Hill.

“Unfortunately we were nowhere near good enough in the field, which meant Shobrooke made it to 200.

“It was a different story with the bat. Charlie Mitchell got us off to a flyer which set the tone for the innings.”

Abbots were only promoted back into the B Division this season and had no goal to go up again. Note the emphasis on had.

“We are going into the last six games in a good position and with batsmen finding some form it looks good for the rest of the year,” said Hill.

“I hope we can keep the momentum going and push on for the rest of the season.”

Beaten skipper Simpson said: “We lost the toss, which didn't help, although the pitch played alright

“Our bowling was terrible, James Beavan and Craig James were the pick of them.

“Considering the weather it was a good game of cricket.”

Shobrooke are at home to leaders Bideford this Saturday.

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