BIDEFORD closed the gap between them and the top two by beating leaders Ivybridge by seven wickets.

Plymstock are the new leaders on 147 points with Bideford and Ivybridge dead level behind them on 137.

The writing was on the wall as Ivybridge laboured to 26 for three in the tenth over – Paul Heard (2-20) and Jamie Lathwell (2-18) getting among the wickets – and having Abraham Kopparambil retire hurt didn’t help.

Jeewan De Silva (32) and David Eadie (18) put on 43, but when they were parted by Jason Atkinson the Bridge went into another decline.

Four wickets went for 11 runs added with the returning Kopparambil among them.

A rearguard action from skipper Kelvin Trent (14) and Pete Abraham (128) added 42 for the eighth wicket in an eventual total of 129 all out.

Bideford were under no pressure time wise as the target was around three and over.

Openers James Ford (44no) and Tom Brend (31) made a 71-run dent in the deficit with Matt Shepherd joining Ford to take Bideford to the brink of victory.

It was a disp;ay that pleased skipper Paul Heard on a number of levels.

“Probably our most complete performance so far, especially by the bowlers,” said Heard.

“There were no stand-out performers, although Jamie Lathwell and Josh Atkinson bowled particularly well.

Our opening batsmen did the bulk of the work, James Ford again seeing us home.

“Fordy has been solid this year, showing his experience is key in our young line-up.”

Bideford are away to Tavistock this Saturday.