AARON Richards and Elliott Staddon both hit unbeaten half-centuries as Cornwood tightened their grip on top spot in the A Division.

Budleigh Salterton, who started the day in second place, were the visitors to Oak Park and were bowled out for 194.

The only significant run scorers for the Otters were opener Marc Troman – he made 31 – and Tari Musakanda (89).

Musakanda went in at 47 for two and scored most of the runs that took the team to 178 for seven when he was run-out by Adam Goodliffe.

Craig James (3-25) returned at the end to pick off a couple of tail-enders after Matt Skeemer (2-38), Matt Tamsett (2-34) and Elliott Staddon (2-53) took wickets earlier.

Ben Beaumont was in early after the demise of Ryan Rickard and made 37 in a stand of 78 with Richards.

Richards (77no) was on 31 not out when he was joined by Staddon (61no), who outscored him handsomely during the match-winning stand of 112.

Skipper Skeemer has been critical of his side when they have won on occasions this season. But not this time.

“Saturday was a great time for us to bat as well as we have all year,” said Skeemer. 

“Getting Musakanda out when we did changed the game from chasing 250 to chasing 190, which was well below par. 

“Aaron Elliott and Ben all batted brilliantly and made it look very comfortable.”

Cornwood are now 28 points clear of second-placed Hatherleigh and 31 in front of Budleigh in third. Promotion is two more wins away.