JOSH King turned in a career-best six-wicket haul that helped guide Bideford to a 78-run win over visiting Barton.

It looked like Bideford were going to have a job on their hands defending a total of 173 all out. By the time King finished his 10-over spell Barton were 45 for six and he had got all of them out.

Opener Nick Watkin (50no) kept Bideford out in the field longer than they anticipated. He was still there when last man Tom Cox (15) was caught off Fawaz Gallie (3-20).

King finished with six for 19, which eclipsed his previous best of five for 36 against Exeter for previous club North Devon back in 2016.

Jack Ford, the Bideford captain described King’s spell as ‘incredible’ , adding: “without doubt it was the best spell of seam bowling I’ve seen.

“Josh was absolutely relentless and finally got the rewards he deserved. We fielded well as a whole, and every other bowler used followed up Josh’s spell brilliantly.”

“Batting wise, we had no answer to King’s opening spell and our shot selection in the context was not good enough,” said Steve Lewis, the Barton captain. “Nick again showed his class. Now, back to the drawing board.”

Bideford went in fits and starts from 66 for one to 90 for five then 147 for five to 158 for nine. 

Watkin and Muhammad Basit took three wickets each for Barton. Cox had a couple.

Scores that mattered for Bideford came from opener Tom Brend (20), Ollie Hannam (33), James Hayter (52) and Alex Hannam (20no). Hayter, in at 66 for three, was part of stands that added 87 to the total.

Skipper Ford admitted he would have liked a few more runs, but backed his bowlers to make it enough.

“We probably felt we were at least, 50 under par, but always confident in our skills defending that total at home,” said Ford.

“James Hayter batted superbly, and it was nice to see him back in the runs. Tom Brend, James Ford (17), Alex Hannam yet again supported him well.

“Our top order still hasn’t clicked. Here’s hoping that it happens soon.

“Overall a proper performance from us with many positives, but still a little way to go to be at our best.”

Lewis said Barton only shortcomings in the field were of their own making.

“Our bowlers were absolutely fantastic,” said Lewis. “A couple of dropped catches early didn’t help them, but other than that it was a solid display to keep them to 173.”