ASHBURTON gained ground on Babbacombe at the top of the C Division West by winning the only game played to a finish.

While Babbacombe were being rained off at Kingsbridge – six points each – Ashes were chasing to win against Bridestowe on the Varwell Field.

Bridestowe were all out for116 in a game initially reduced to 37 overs each due to rain.

After a second interruption Ashburton were left to make 110 to win, which they did with three overs to spare.

Ashburton cut the deficit between them and Babbacombe to 17 points and are now 25 clear of third-placed Bridestowe.

Ashley Berry, the Ashburton captain, said: “With everyone washed out, we close the gap on the top and we'll keep trying to chip away"

“We won this game in the first half as the bowling unit did a superb job backed up by some excellent fielding.”

Opener James Ewen was Bridestowe’s anchorman, coming out at 91 for five having made 49.

Sam Ewen and brother James put on 55 for the fifth wicket in the only stand of note.

Tristan Wakefield had three for 24 up top  - including James Ewen when he ran past a turning ball and was stumped – and Matt Churchill took three for 35.

Spinner Will Coon bowled seven overs for a return of two for six.

Ashes got off to the worst possible start as Lloyd White perished softly, caught at mid off attempting to go over the top.

Berry and Dan Coles put on a match-turning 64 to get the home side just over half way there.

The momentum changed when Berry was caught and bowled for 33 by Fogerty. When Coles departed lbw to Sizmur for 33 it was getting tense.

Bits and pieces from Wakefield (10), and Kev Nichols (9no) edged Ashes closer until Dom Durman (7no) got Ashes over the line.

Ashburton make the short trip through the lanes to Stoke Gabriel this Saturday.