TORQUAY thumped Abbotskerswell by eight wickets to retain a four-point lead over Cornwood at the top of the A Division.
Abbots made a respectable 234 all out in the 49th of their 50 overs – Elliott Adams making a careful 58 after going in at 118 for five.
Sam Johnston (45) was the only significant scorer before Adams got settled.
Adams and Charlie Mitchell (29) got Abbots moving with a stand of 52 for the sixth wicket.
Torquay spinner Matt Beasant took two for 20 against his old club and there were two wickets each for Mitch Pugh, Jack Richardson and Tom Drake.
Torquay never looked back after openers Tim Western (75) and Franco Kasner (35) hoisted 104 for the first wicket.
Western and skipper George Allen got the tally up to 177 for two. Allen (56no) and Pugh (38no) tied up the loose ends with more than eight overs un-bowled.
Winning skipper Allen said it was a good win but there is still scope for improvement.
“As a team we felt we could have been a lot better with the ball,” said Allen.
“We gave away far too many extras and our fielding was poor at times.
“The only first-half positives were good bowling performances by Jack Richardson and Tom Drake, as well as a superb catch by Harry Passenger on the boundary!
“Our batting made up for our first half performance. Franco and Tim scored quickly and positively to set a solid base, allowing for Mitch and I to score freely.”
It’s lowly Bideford at home next for Torquay. Abbots have another toughie: at home to second-placed Cornwood.
