STOKE Gabriel skipper Jack Tolley is eyeing the chance to steal into the top two this Saturday when Whitchurch pay a visit.

For last Saturday’s 13-run win over Plymouth Civil Service leaves Stoke just seven points behind joint leaders Alphington and Abbotskerswell.

Abbots visit Alphington this Saturday, so something has to give.

“Either Abbots or Alphington are going to drop points, giving us the chance to jump into the top two,” said Tolley.

Stoke won at Civil Service despite playing a man short from start to finish due to a no-show.

“With only 10 men we all had to give an extra 10 per cent and with the bat - I felt we did that,” said Tolley.

“On a difficult pitch there was always going to be a ball with your name on it – one that rolls through or pops of a length.

“Over the last few weeks our middle order has been tested and by winning three on the bounce we have definitely passed the test

“We didn’t bowl amazingly, but we got the job done.”

Nathan Hicks (32) and Mike Meech (29) led the way with the bat, supported by George Smith, as Stoke made 193 for eight.

Civil had a good go at getting the runs, but Tolley (3-24) and Seb Ansley (3-38) got them all out for 180 with four overs to go.