PLYMPTON maintained a tight grip on second spot in the B Division thanks to a five-wicket win at Braunton.

Braunton were bowled out for a meagre 122 with more than 23 overs unused. They were 10 for four in the sixth over after a going over from Ben Banks (5-18) and did well to get as far as they did.

Kyle Faber dug in to make 66 in exactly two hours batting time. He was the last man out having hit five sixes and two fours.

Wickets fell steadily at the other end with Manny Motswiri (2-32) the best of the rest.

Plympton’s pursuit of an early tea was briefly stalled by a bright-and-breezy 21 off 17 balls down the order from Dan Brierley.

“Braunton got 30 more than I would of liked but fair play to Faber, who hit some clean shots,” said Harry Kandampully, the Plympton captain.

“Ben Banks finally got some rewards for his bowling and, with Manny, bowled a really good opening spell.”

Braunton’s bowlers did not make it easy for Plympton at times. Jon Baglow (3-20) and Dan Brierley (0-17 off 9) know what they are doing. Theo Valeri (3-52)had running figures of three for 26 at one stage, before inaccuracy crept in.

Shalok Gangatkar (25) and Plympton captain Harry Kandampully (22) chipped away at the top of the order. From 77 for five onwards the chase was entrusted to Kristian King (14no) and Tobin Barker (33no).

“A brilliant partnership between Tobin and Kristian got us over the line,” said Kandampully.

Former captain Callum Mitchell, who led the side in the absence of current skipper Sam Reddick, said: “It was a toss we would’ve liked to have won. 

“Plympton applied the pressure early and bowled well. We did display some fight and made them work for the victory.

“On two occasions this season we have been in early innings trouble when batting first and it’s cost us. 

“Faber and Brierley displayed some grit and application given the situation. We simply have to be better to avoid the drop.”