SHOBROOKE Park revived their promotion prospects with an ‘11-all draw’against leaders Bideford.

Bideford – 22 points clear at the top – are going to be tough to catch by any of the chasing clubs in the last five games.

The contest for second place is in full swing and Shobrooke are right back in it after a patchy run of four games without a win.

Five bonus bowling points for dismissing Bideford for 221 took Shobrooke ahead of inactive Ipplepen into fourth place.

Shobrooke still have 16 points to make up on second-placed Abbotskerswell, but will hope to earn a few of them when winless Ottery pay a visit this Saturday.

“We get a win this Saturday and we are right up there,” said skipper Chris Simpson.

Ben Trenanan dismissed Bideford opener Matt Shepherd first ball, but after that wickets had to be earned.

James Ford (42) and Jayson Bartolo (26) got the score up to 102 for two, only for three wickets to go in quick succession. Treneman (2-23), Craig James and the unrelated jon James getting a wicket each.

The rot stopped with skipper Paul Heard (50) and Jamie Lathwell (31) who put on 49 for the seventh wicket.

With wickets in hand going into the last 10 overs Bideford went for it – and Simpson cashed in.

The Shobrooke captain picked up five on the trot at a cost of 36 runs.

The teams didn’t return after tea.

Simpson may have bagged a five-wicket haul but he was quick to share the credit round.

“Craig James and Ben Trenaman put the pressure straight on,” said Simpson.

Dan Robbins and myself came on second change and kept up the good work.

“Jon James and Will O’Sulliivan kept things going, with will getting he's first wicket in the 1st XI.

“Anything under 240 at Shobrooke is very getable so we were disappointed when the rain hit, but happy with the points and moving up to fourth.”

Shobrooke’s five bowling points took the past inactive Tavistock in the latest table.

FILLEIGH had the best of a rain-ruined game against visiting Seaton to move just a little further away from the B Division danger zone.

Ryan Bowden and Jack Brazier with three wickets each helped Filleigh to maximum bowling points.

Bowden had three for eight and Brazier three for 12 as Seaton were dismissed for 103.

Seaton got a sold start – they were 50 for two – then slumped to 55 for five.

Any hopes Filleigh had of running through the lower order were thwarted by Seaton skipper Ben Morgan, who made 23 off 71 balls in a rearguard action.

Stephen Pritchard was just as obstinate, facing 46 balls while making seven in a stand of 34 with his captain.

Umpires Paul Argyle and Nigel Ashplant abandoned the game when it gecame obvious the rain wasn’t going to stop.

Having got into a promising position, Filleigh captain Simon Prideaux was disappointed not to finish the game.

“The bowlers bowled the best they have as a unit all season and really made use of the helpful conditions,” said Prideaux.

“We fielded well and built pressure then took our chances when they came.

“Seaton could have been out more quickly but their captain dug in and took time out of the game.”

Filleigh are 15 points clear of the relegation places now with Tavistock to play this Saturday.

“I am hoping we are able to put the same team out this week against Tavistock,” said Prideaux.

“However, Jon Hickman is suffering from a knee injury which may mean he will need to rest.”

THORVERTON got enough cricket in before rain stopped play against Abbotskerswell to inch a little closer to safety in the B Division.

Thorverton picked up all five batting points by posting 206 for four. Alex Hills (31) and Paul Fielder (38) made early runs then David Baldock (38no) and George Greed (47no) topped up the total.

Eleven points earned from the game were not enough to get Thorverton out of the bottom two.

They only need three points to get ahead of Barton and out of the bottom three though.

Abbots’ skipper Charlie Hill had hoped for a bit more from the game after sticking Thorverton in, but it didn’t happen.

“Thorverton batted first and we hoped to grab some early wickets but they were hard to come by,” admitted Hill.

“We bowled well throughout the innings and we unlucky on a number of occasions with the ball just not going to hand.

“At least we got something out of the game, which a number of teams around us didn't.: