PLYMOUTH still have an outside chance of dodging relegation from the Tolchards DCL Premier Division after snatching an eight-run win over outgoing champions Bradninch & Kentisbeare.

The men from Mount Wise were bottom of the table going into round 17 of 18, but not any longer. They have moved one place and five points ahead of Sidmouth, who lost at Sandford.

Although Sidmouth’s cause looks hopeless – 16 points adrift with 20 left to play for on the last day – they could take Plymouth down with them.

Plymouth go to Sidmouth this Saturday where they have to win and keep fingers crossed that one of Hatherleigh, Bradninch & Kentisbeare or Tavistock slip-up badly.

Plymouth’s top-order batting has seldom fired this season and it was a familiar story against Bradninch & Kentisbeare, who had them wobbling at 45 for four. A stand of 97 between Hal Kerton (83) and Tom Hughes (32) proved crucial to reaching 182 for nine.

Five bowlers took wickets for Bradninch & Kentisbeare. Ankit Badwal (3-23) got into the middle order. Gary Chappell (2-10) and Andrew Buzza (2-39) struck higher up.

Bradninch & Kentisbeare were an unimpressive 44 for five in reply when their fortunes perked-up due to the combination of Tim Piper (17) batting with Dan Hardy.

Batters came and went to John Kerridge (4-31) and Sam Stein (2-33), but Hardy batted on and on. And when Badwal (20) was at the other end during a stand of 45 for the ninth wicket, Plymouth were rattled.

Kerridge bowled Badwal on 157 and Callum Williams fired out Hardy for 52 to win it.

“Hal Kerton's innings was the difference,” said Chappell. “He played very well on a tricky pitch, supported by a sensible knock from Hughes.

“We did well to get so close after a bad start and Hardy continued his good form this season.”

Chappell had a familiar feeling of déjà vu following this defeat.

“Another close game we were on the wrong end of. The same old story that we weren't good enough and couldn't get over the line.”