BIDEFORD got back to business after their defeat by Plymstock with a 71-run win over Braunton.

Losing to Plymstock cost Bideford a share of the B Division leadership. Beating Braunton means they are third, a point behind second-placed Ivybridge.

All Bideford’s frontline batters made runs in a total of 265 for five.

Openers James Ford (76) and Tom Brend (30) racked up 113 then Paul Heard (60) and Matt Shepherd (24) took the score on to 218 for four.

After an outbreak of wicket-taking by Neil Bettis (2-37), Bideford finished with a flourish as Alex Hannam slammed five fours and a six in a 13-ball knock of 31 not out.

Braunton didn’t start badly as Alfie Huxtable (26), Rob Collier (68) and Bettis (23) took them up to 121 for two. Losing the next three wickets for 11 runs – Mike Lemmings (3-35) doing the damage – was the start of a decline to 194 all out.

Callum Mitchell made 12 and tail-ender Alec Hodges was 19 not out in a finally tally of 194.

Martin Stewart (3-45) chivvied things along for Bideford.

Skipper Heard said Bideford had to up their bowling performance and a pep-talk over drinks was the turning point.

“We started off poorly with the ball, but bowled enough dots to keep the run rate difficult,” said Heard.

“At drinks we talked about building pressure through spin and that's what we did, which won us the game.

“Martin Stewart and Michael Lemmings both did their job well.

“All in all everybody contributed to a good team win.”

Jon Baglow, the Braunton captain, said his side were not good enough and it showed.

“Firstly, room for improvement in the bowling department,” said Baglow.

He added: “At 30 overs we were a couple of runs ahead of where Bideford were.

“We just lost regular wickets.”