CHELSTON and Kingskerswell won for the first time this season when they defeated visiting Babbacombe by 53 runs.

The Torre Valley North side are still bottom of the table, but beating a side in the top half will give them some hope to take into the second half of the season.

Babbacombe stay mid-table, which wasn’t part of their plan at the start of the season as promotion was on skipper Steve Broad’s agenda.

Selection problems and the long-term absence of all-rounder Andy Kingdon mean Babbacombe are destined to be among the also-rans this season.

C&K’s overseas player Lachlan WIllaton hit form with 55 in a rain-affected 36-over total of 143 for five. Skipper Mark Faulkner chipped in with 24.

Wickets were shared round with Iraq Thomas (3-25) having Babbacombe’s best.

Babbacombe were all out in reply for 90 – Sam Powell top scoring on 18.

Seamer Chris Harrison led the bowling effort with four for 13, aided and abetted by David Gypps, Vivek Kulkarni and Pat Duke with two each.

Winning captain Mark Faulkner said: “I was very pleased to win, especially after being put into bat with rain around.

“We kept wickets in hand thanks to Lachlan and Gary Brenton and posted a semi-decent score.

“Holding six great catches got us over the line.”

 Beaten Babbacombe skipper Steve Broad kept it short and sweet.

“I'm lost for words to be honest,” said Broad.

“They were better on the day and too many of our players didn't turn up again.”