CULLOMPTON and Plymstock fought each other to a standstill in that cricketing curiosity – the tie.

Fifteen to win from the final over, which was bowled by Rob Cunningham, proved one too many for Cullompton, despite the best endeavours of skipper Brendon Parr to club his team to victory.

Fourteen points from a tie gave Plymstock an advantage over every other team in the top four, none of whom won.

Leaders Bridestowe (201) lost at Barton, second-placed Bideford’s (186) game against Bovey Tracey was a weather casualty and third-in-the-table Chudleigh (181) lost by one run to Ipplepen.

Plymstock are on 180 points and can overtake Chudleigh if they win there this Saturday in what is likely to be a feisty game. Relations were strained to say the least after Chudleigh lost at Plymstock earlier in the season.

Plymstock were all out for 146 with seven balls left in a 40-overs-each game.

Opener Tom O’Connor made a top score of 30, last man in Cunningham made 25 and in between were an assortment of scores between three and 16. Twenty-five extras helped.

Jack Grandfield with five for 32 had Cullompton’s stand-out bowling figures. Parr (2-15) gave little away.

“We bowled well but some late hitting from Rob Cunningham got Plymstock to a decent score given the conditions present,” said Parr.

Cullompton’s reply was in danger of grinding to a halt as the chase slowed to 84 for six. Alex Karvelas (3-25) took wickets while Tom Mitch, Hadleigh Scott-Kirk and Matt Whalley kept the runs down.

Parr (63no) and Dave Hooper (24no) batted Cully back into contention and their stand of 62 set-up a tense finish.

Hooper launched Cunningham’s final ball for six to tie the game.

James Nicholls, the Plymstock captain, was more than happy with the outcome.

“I thought we were fantastic and to take 14 points away on a day like that was a good result,” said Nicholls.

“Cullompton bowled really well and Brendon batted deep and was brutal towards the end.”

“We knew it would be a tough chase with the strength of Plymstock bowling attack, which seems very well balanced,” said Parr.

“It looked like we were well out of the game with six overs left, but due to some late hitting from myself and Dave Hooper we somehow pulled off a tie.”

Nicholls said the spirit of cricket was enhanced by Cullompton getting stuck into mopping-up operations that got the game on.

“Thanks to them for helping with the pre-game clear-up job as conditions were awful,” said Nicholls.

Opposite number Parr said: ““It was a competitive game played in good spirits.”