BABBACOMBE put their disappointing last-ball defeat at Chagford behind them with a nine-wicket win over Plymouth Civil Service and Roborough at Walls Hill.

With leaders Alphington to play this Saturday, it was just the boost Babbacombe needed.

Civil struggled to 135 all out in the 44th of their 45 overs – Dan Sanders top scoring on 33.

Iraq Thomas (4-22) was too slippery for the early batters as Civil dipped to 30 for three.

Sanders and Rob Walker (16) conducted a mini-comeback worth 47 for the fourth wicket – and a hefty 39 extras helped.

The visitors lost their last five wickets for 29 runs once Sanders was out of the picture.

For Babbacombe skipper Steve Broad it was the perfect riposte after the defeat at Chagford.

“Better fielding and no dropped catches helped make it an easier game,” said Broad.

“We took regular wickets and prevented partnerships building.

“Pugh and Penner’s unbroken stand of 125 won it in the 29th over so very comfortable.”

Broad said he was without six potential first team players against Civil, including player-coach Andy Kingdon.

Kingdon has been out since the first week of May when he suffered a shoulder injury in a Corinthian Cup game against Abbotskerswell.

Kingdon has been told the season is virtually a write-off, but hope springs eternal.

“I have been told up to four months before I am healed, but my aim is to try to play the last two months of the season if I can,” said Kingdon.