By CONRAD SUTCLIFFE

KILMINGTON’S four-wicket defeat at the hand of Upottery was not enough to block their progress into the Tier Three play-offs.

Upottery were the only side who could catch Kilmington, but needed a points differential of plus 19 to do it. A 13-point spread (19-16) was insufficient.

Kilmington found batting difficult and were out of overs at 127 for eight. Josh Short made 52 of the first 75 in the book and Ian Cook added 31.

The Upottery chase slipped to 59 for four before fifth-wicket partners Jack Larcombe (39no) and Adam Pulman (27), doubled the score to 118. Game over.

Kilmington will welcome Exeter 2^ndXI this Saturday. Brett Garner, the Killy captain, is quietly confident of getting the result.

“Playing at our place, we fancy our chances against anyone and we will be going into the game on Saturday in our usual confident way,” said Garner.

Ottery are at home to Shaldon in the play-offs this Saturday.

GEORGE Mutter stroked an unbeaten century as Ottery St Mary defeated Sidmouth 2^ndXI by 81 runs in a game downgraded to a friendly.

Sidmouth have been getting sides out with some help from their friends and took the view it would be wrong to take points off other sides with a team that wasn’t their own.

Mutter (112no) and Lawrence Walker (72) were Ottery’s main scorers in their total of 239 for two.

Jody Clements (3-11) was Ottery’s leading wicket taker as Sidmouth were bowled out for 158.