Seaton surrender unbeaten record | Four wickets and a century for Bideford captain Ford

BIDEFORD underlined their promotion aspirations in the B Division with an 88-run win over previously unbeaten leaders Seaton.

Jack Ford, the Bideford captain, plundered a century in his side’s 50-over total of 269 for seven.

There were four wickets each for opening bowler Josh King, and Ford in spin-bowling mode, as Seaton were hustled out for 181. Ollie Hannam claimed five catches and a stumping behind the sticks.

Seaton remain top of the table on 117 points, but now have Stoke Gabriel (110) and Bideford (104) breathing down their necks.

After a wobbly start against Seaton’s new-ball operator Kai Croft (4-41), Bideford accelerated away with Hannam and Ford putting 134 in the book for the fourth wicket.

Hannam went first for 74, but Ford kept going until the final over when he was the last man out for 106.

“We were under a bit of pressure early in our innings, but showed the depth we have,” said Ford. “And if we bat for our whole 50 overs, we’ll have a great chance of putting up a very competitive score.”

Seaton’s top-order batting failed for the first time this season, largely under pressure from King (4-40). Ben Morgan (50) and Arthur Whitby (38) put on 77 for the seventh wicket until Ford removed the latter.

Ford went on to take four for 22 as Seaton were bowled out for 181.

Said Ford: “Josh King was absolutely brilliant yet again with the new ball, backed up by Oliver Hannam behind the stumps holding onto six dismissals. 

“We fielded very well throughout, and even when it got tricky to close out the win, we stuck at it and got the job done properly.”

Sam Goodier, who skippered Seaton in the absence of Tim Doulton, said: “‘We were beaten by the better team on the day.

“We were too flat in the field not creating any pressure. They batted well in the middle overs leaving wickets in hand to kick on and set them up for a decent total. 

“Tidy bowling from them mixed with some loose shots cost us early. We bounce back next week.

“One positive to take would be the depth of our batting order. Being 48 for six to then get to 180 shows we bat deep and can recover from tough situations.”