CRAIG James bagged a seven-wicket haul to speed Cornwood to victory over Budleigh Salterton and into top spot in the A Division.

Something had to give when the last two unbeaten records clashed on the Ottermouth – and it always looked like being Budleigh’s after they were skittled out for 76.

James took seven for 26 in 8.5 overs, doing most of the damage as Budleigh collapsed in a heap after reaching 60 for four.

Ed Doble (26) was the only Budleigh batsman to make more than seven. Without 20 extras – 16 of them wides – the picture would have been even worse.

Cornwood only needed 26.4 overs to complete the six-wicket win that took them to the top of the table.

There was a little stumble as Aaron Richards, Owen Gannon and Charles Finan went in the time it took to go from 26 for none to 27 for three, but Ben Beaumont and skipper Matt Skeemer ensured there were no calamities with a brace of 15s.

Winning skipper Skeemer said James bowled out of his skin.

“Craig has never bowled better for Cornwood – he was exceptional,” said Skeemer.

“Budleigh Salterton are a good side and there were no easy wickets to be had against them.

“It was a good game to win and a good win to have before we play Hatherleigh this Saturday.

“Hatherleigh are right up at the top with us despite just losing to Bradninch and it is going to be another tough game.”

For Budleigh captain Lloyd Murrin, whose team dropped down to fourth, it was a case of losing a battle not the war.

“Unfortunately, we didn't turn up as a batting unit,” said Murrin.

“Cornwood bowled well and were outstanding in he field, but we did not perform with the bat.

“It was a great fight in the second innings to get them five down before they got over the line, so lots of positives to take from the second half.

“We will be looking to bounce back quickly this weekend against Ivybridge.”