ABBOTSKERSWELL were brought down to earth with a bump when they lost by 38 runs at Kingsbridge.

Seven days earlier Abbots were headline news after they set a new divisional batting record against Whitchurch – Charlie Mitchell making a ton.

It was a different story at the Butts where Kingsbridge made 180 all out – skipper James Westlake top scoring on 64 – then dismissed Abbots for 142.

Abbots stay second in the table, but have drifted 13 points behind leaders Alphington and are only six points up on third-placed Babbacombe.

A win over Chagford this Saturday is needed to get things back on track at Two Mile Oak.

Westlake was backed up by Bhanu deSilva (36) and a healthy helping of 38 extras.

Tom Durman (3-21) took the bowling plaudits for Abbots.

Ricardo Small-Boyce (56) was the only Abbots batter to get to grips with the Kingsbridge bowling.

Westlake completed a man-of-the-match display with three wickets for 22 runs, Neal Peach had three more and James Rosewarne claimed two for 42.

Kingsbridge are away to Bridestowe this Saturday.

Charlie Hill, the Abbotskerswell captain, said it was a salient lesson learned in keeping standards high.

“Having been very good all season we came across a side who batted better and bowled better than us on the day,” said Hill.

“Credit to Kingsbridge. They were the better side but we didn't apply ourselves with bat or ball.

“If we want to be top come the end of the season we need to learn to grind out wins in tricky conditions.

“We know we are a better team than the performance on Saturday.

“All we can do is bounce back next week at home to Chagford and put this week behind us.”