CHUDLEIGH captain Ed Foreman had some stern words for his side after they lost by six wickets to Budleigh Salterton.

Chudleigh were relegated from the A Division in 2014, but Foreman led them back up at the first attempt.

Foreman was hoping to avoid another battle to stay up, but said it could be a struggle if some things don’t improve.

“It was a game that potentially got away, but I have to give credit to the way Budleigh batted and great maturity shown by their young players,” said Foreman.

“We were poor in the field and did not set the tone well when we bowled.

“If we want to stay up we need to be looking to defend that sort of score more often than not, especially at home.

“The positive is that we are not being brushed aside like two years ago and I'm confident results will come with a little more application.”

Chudleigh reached 183 for four in their 50 overs – Corey Sinclair top scoring on 68 not out

Mark Solway (33) made the early runs for Chudleigh then Sinclair and Dan Britcliffe (47no) put on 105 unbroken.

Although Budleigh’s bowlers laboured for wickets, Sid Fereday (0-15), Matt Junk (1-22) and Rob Craze (1-31) kept the lid on.

Budleigh paced their reply well, easing over the line with four overs to go.

Junk (30) and Elliot Rice (21) made a 48-run dent in the deficit the Ed Doble (60no) was supported by Sam Richardson (25), Craze (17) and Ben Phillips (18) knocking off the rest.

Pick of the bowlers for Chudleigh were Matt Ball (1-23 off 10) and Mark Heather (1-17 off 6).