BRIDESTOWE sit third in the B Division table after a comprehensive seven-wicket win over Bideford.

Bideford only batted 20 of their rain-reduced 28 overs as they were skittled for 70. James Ford (29) and Steve Bond (13) were the only double-figure scores in a sorry looking scorecard, which included seven ducks.

Gary Sizmur (4-12) bowled with excellent control, dismissing three of the top four without scoring. Dan Fogerty (3-23) and Ryan Dennis (2-6) accounted for the other wickets to fall.

It could have been even fewer for Bridestowe to chase had it not been for a few dropped catches and 23 extras.

Bridestowe didn't hang around in the chase, getting to the target in the 13th over.

Tallan Burns (13), Gary Sizmur (11), and Leon Horn (14) were all dismissed on the way, but Kian Burns (24no) soon got things finished with a flurry of boundaries.

Mark Fogerty, the Bridestowe captain, said it was a good toss to win as his side had the best of the conditions for bowling.

“Bideford having to bat between the showers made it difficult for them and Gary took out their top four without troubling the scores too much,” said Fogerty. 

“Bowling 24 extras and dropping Ford on nought wasn’t ideal, but after getting them all out for 70 you would hope to knock them off without too many troubles. And we did.

“The umpires were proactive and spot- on this week with the weather and did well go get a game in.”

Skipper Tom Brend said losing the toss and being asked to bat was the start of Bideford’s problems.

“We failed to adapt to the slow, sticky pitch with the bat and were skittled,” said Brend. 

“Credit to their bowlers, who bowled with consistency and patience. 

“At that point the game was pretty much done – it's very hard to defend a total of 70 – but credit to the boys who pushed every ball

“And a particular shout-out to Jack Ancill, who claimed his first wicket for the 1st XI.

“We're in a bit of a rut at the moment, and haven't had much luck, but I fully expect us to bounce back at home to Ipplepen this Saturday.”