BRAUNTON moved up to fourth in the B Division standings thanks to a 31-run win over Ivybridge.

Only three Braunton batsmen made it into double figures, but their efforts were enough to reach 185 for nine in a 40-over game.

Kyle Faber top scored with 87 and shared a second-wicket stand of 76 with home skipper Sam Reddick. Form batter Theo Valeri chipped in with 31. No one else made more than nine as Ivybridge spinners Harry Solomon and Lewis Clarke turned the screw.

Solomon, captain for the day in the absence of Josh Zimmerman, bowled for the first time this season and was rewarded with a five-for-29 haul. Clarke’s two for 31 took care of much of the rest.

Ivybridge went off in hot pursuit as Harvey Johson (54) and Zach Dunn (28) took the running total to 96 for one. Then it all went wrong!

The Bridge plunged to 102 for six then 118 for seven as veteran spinner Steve Moore (5-41) and seamer Valeri (3-30) mowed down the middle order.

Tinashe Muchawaya (39) delayed the inevitable for a while, but once he went it was downhill all the way to 154 all out.

Solomon said: “It was disappointing not to get home with the bat after being 90-odd for one, but that’s cricket.

“We'll dust ourselves off and with a few returning for Abbotskerswell this Saturday we will be sure to bounce back.”

Reddick said it was about time Braunton ended a losing streak that had stalled a promising start to the season.

“It was a good team win and one we are keen to build on,” said Reddick.

Reddick added: “It's great to see Kyle get a score in an important game. He batted very well on what was a heavily used pitch that offered plenty to bowlers all day.

“We bowled and caught very well. Steve Moore was excellent under pressure … he even turned a few!”