BIDEFORD lost their share of top spot in the B Division when they lost by 21 runs to Plymstock in the top-of-the-table clash at Westward Ho!

The two sides were dead level going into the game so something was always going to give.

Plymstock recovered from a wobbly start to make 174 all out – Mike Blackmore rescuing them from 81 for five with a valuable 56 not out having gone back to bat after initially retiring hurt.

When Bronte Bess was dismissed for 38, Plymstock had half the side out.

Paul Heard and Fred King had two wickets each early on then Martin Stewart (2-43) and James Ford (3-18) joined in.

Blackmore came back on five not out and his stand of 56 with Seb Jordan (28) was a corner turned.

Tom Brend put the Bideford chase on course with 55 in a 29-over total of 84 for one.

Plymstock were on the ropes, but bowled their way back into the game by taking four wickets for six runs as 103 for two became 109 for six.

The wickets were shared round and a Nick Carter run out helped.

Ji Eccles (17) kept Bideford hopes flickering, but Bess (4-18) got one through him and the tail was a formality as Bideford folded on 153.

Ian Whalley, who led Plymstock in the absence of holidaying Scott Mansfield, said the result was better than the performance that was a bit patchy in places.

“Batting wise I was disappointed with the number of wickets we gave away but Seb Jordan was excellent and Mike Blackmore came back from retiring hurt hit a maiden 1st XI 50,” said Whalley.

We looked down and buried when Bideford were 84 for one, but myself and James Nicholls built some pressure then Bronte came back bowling quick and straight.

“Our catching was poor and we need to be more ruthless to finish the opposition off.”

Bideford skipper Paul Heard said his side’s performance dropped off as the game went on, but that collective failure should prove a motivator.

“Our bowlers did a good job and restricted Plymstock to a below-par score on a good track,” said Heard.

“All seemed to be going well with Tom Brend playing fantastically for a half-century but the rest of the batting line up failed.

“It was in stark contrast to the fight we showed against Ottery.

“Not one batsman was dismissed by good bowling.

“It is only one game and we go into a derby with Braunton more hungry than ever.”