PAIGNTON are back on top of the Tolchards DCL Premier Division after imposing a six-wicket defeat on relegation worriers Sidmouth.

The Queen’s Park outfit were nine points behind leaders Exeter going into round 13. This result, and the city side’s 60-point deduction for an apparent registration regulation breach, paved the way for Paignton to go three points clear of Exmouth at the top.

Sidmouth remain stuck fast in the bottom two with eight points needed to get ahead of Hatherleigh and out of it.

Ethan Chiappe (50) and Matt Matravers (46no) underpinned Sidmouth’s total of 237 all out. Matt Fourie made a brisk 39 lower down. Connor Ashworth’s (3-31) three-wicket haul included Chiappe.

Paignton were 77 for four in reply when Luke Medlock was joined in the middle by Aya Gqamana. Medlock (72no) and Gqamana (77no) went the rest of the way during an unbroken stand of 161.

Harry Ward, the Paignton captain, said: “It was great to see Aya and Charlie (Ward) bowling with genuine pace, while Rory and Connor were brilliant again. 

“We fielded well on a rapid outfield, and Cole Harford and Charlie executed superbly at the death. To restrict Sidmouth to under 250 was an excellent effort.

“The chase was relatively comfortable despite a slight wobble at 77 for four. Luke and Aya then showed their class, putting together a composed partnership to see us home.”