CULLOMPTON won for the first time in three starts when they defeated Bridestowe & Belstone by 82 runs.

Although Cully were not in any real danger of being drawn into the relegation scrap, the 24-point gap between them and the bottom two should be enough to avoid any last-month panics.

Cully can now focus on securing a top-four or top-five finish following promotion from the B Division last season. 

Dinesh Raheja opened-up for Cully and went on to top score with 93. He was fifth out on 197, having put on 106 along the way with fourth-wicket partner Brendon Parr (48).

Akshay Bharadwaj chipped in a cheeky 27 off 10 balls – three sixes and a four – in the final few overs towards a total of 234 for seven.

Bowling successes were few and far between for Bridestowe & Belstone. Ryan Dennis (2-33) and Shaq Glasgow (0-29) were the most effective of the 10-over bowlers.

Cullompton’s opening bowlers James Vincent (4-21) and Jason Parr (2-15) made life a misery for the B&B top order as they collapsed in a heap to 29 for six. 

Dennis (23) and Tom Fogerty (19) halted the slide, then Brandon Horn (67no) put bat to ball as the tail wagged. Horn was involved in stands of 95 that got B&B up to 152 all out.

Dan King, the Cullompton vice-captain, said: “It was great to be back on the winning side of the equation, especially away to Bridestowe, who are always tough opposition at home.

“Great innings from Brendon Parr and Dinesh set us up, then James Vincent and Jason Parr bowled out of their skins.”

King said the significance of the result was it put Cullompton in a position to consolidate following promotion.

“It is starting to feel like it's been a really successful season after promotion last year,” said King. “But we're not getting  ahead of ourselves – one game at a time.”