PLYMPTON took a sizeable step towards staying in the A Division for another season when they defeated Abbotskerswell by 22 runs at Harewood Park.

Plympton were only 20 points clear of the relegation places going into round 14 and wary that three of their final five games were against teams below them.

Plympton were one off those teams but in a shaken-up bottom five are now 28 points distant in the second drop spot.

Plympton are not safe yet, but will feel a little more comfortable.

Craig Miles (73) and Elliot Hamilton (59no) got Plympton to 121 for two. Jack Horton (21) and skipper Alex Carr (45no) were Hamilton’s running mates in an eventual total of 259 for six.

Abbots lost opener James Westlake first ball to Jonty Walliker and Eddie Smout-Cooper soon afterwards.

Skipper Nick Watkin set up camp in the middle for a patient 76 and with back up from Elliott Adams (28) and Alex Birt (31) got Abbots up to 194 for five. Then Will Scott-Munden dismissed Watkin and the game tilted Plympton’s way.

Ben Privett (4-46) got into the bottom half of the batting as Abbots declined to 237 all out.

Skipper Carr said the game was on the target list to win and he was glad to get it out of the way.

“It was one of the big games we needed to win so glad to get over the line,” said Carr.

“We bowled appallingly for long periods again, so still plenty of work on.

“It was great to see the young lads taking on responsibility, and not for the first time this season.

“Elliot, Ben and Will all played key roles to pull us through in a great match.

“Full credit to Nick and Abbots in what was a really good contest where we were fortunate to get over the line.”

Abbots are in a precarious position one off the bottom of the table and three points adrift of safety.

Skipper Watkin was inconsolable after the game, perhaps unfairly taking responsibility for the defeat.

“It was gutting to lose and completely blame myself for not finishing the job by getting out when I did,” said Watkin.

“Team wise I thought we were pretty average all day. Our fielding in particular was very poor.

“Plympton fully deserved their win. Their young players stood up to be counted when required.

“Ben Privett bowled his team to victory and Elliot Hamilton played a crucial innings.”

Abbots are at home to fellow strugglers Bideford this Saturday, a game Watkin described as ‘huge’.