TAVISTOCK got back to winning ways after their defeat at Ivybridge with a 77-run victory over struggling Braunton.

Opener Dave Ball batted from start to finish either side of a rain break for an unbeaten 110.

With Ian Gray (30) and Aaron Churchill (58) chipping in too, Tavistock reached 224 for seven.

Alfie Huxtable (2-23) and Joe Barnes (2-29) were the pick of the Braunton bowlers.

Braunton lacked an anchorman in Ball’s mode and were all out for 147 in reply.

Dave Cresswell (33), Rob Collier (30) and former Devon left-hander Neil Bettis (24), all got in, got set and got out without going on.

Braunton were 136 for four on the chase – and lost their last six wickets for nine runs.

Ball helped Braunton on their way with a couple of wickets, but the bowling star was Chris Bray with four for 21.

Vice-captain Aaron Churchill said Ball’s innings was crucial to Tavistock’s success.

“He just kept going, never mind the rain break, and myself and Ian Gray were able to help get a decent total up,” said Churchill.

“Having got a good score the bowlers set about defending it and by bowling tightly built scoreboard pressure, which told on Braunton.”

Braunton are hovering one place above the relegation places thanks to a 13-point cushion.

Skipper Jon Baglow said the damage was done in in the first 15 overs of the Tavistock innings.

“We lost it in the first 15 overs,” said Baglow. “We had no consistency and they got away from us.

“After the rain break we pulled it back a little. The wicket died a bit after tea so chasing over 200 was always going to be difficult.”