BRIDESTOWE & Belstone walloped Torquay & Kingskerswell by 77 runs in a rain-affected game to knock them off the top of the A Division table.
North Devon’s 50-run win over Kilmington took them back to the top, where the enjoy a four-point lead over the Rec Grounders.
Ryan Dennis made 76 at the top of the order for Bridestowe & Belstone, who galloped along to 278 for seven. There were more runs down the back of the sofa for the Burns brothers: Kian (61) and Tallan (49).
Alex Peggie’s figures of three for 45 were the best among a mixed bag of T&K bowling stats.
Simon Gillespie (3-25) and Tom Pengelly (2-17) were the bowlers who scuppered Torquay’s chances.
When rain stopped play at Millaton in the 36th over, the Seasiders were 155 for seven chasing 233 to win with Chris Kelmere on 44 not out.
Craig Penberthy, match managing the team while he is out of club and county action with a hand injury, said it was disappointing not to finish the job properly.
“Shame the rain came in and we didn’t have chance to get 20 points as that would’ve capped off what was a good win and performance,” said Penberthy.
“Started with Ryan Dennis and Kian really setting a platform with the bat at the top for lads to come in below. Ryan once again showing at the top how good he can be with the bat and both showing patients and ability to score.
“Kian is looking very good at the moment and the best I’ve seen him play for a number of years with the hunger to score big runs.
“Lads chipped in well down the order and got us to a very good score on a good pitch.
“Simon Gillespie showed his experience and quality with the new ball, taking three wickets and leading the way.
“First week where we have been clinical in the big-game moments and showed when we apply all three parts of the game well we can compete with the top sides in the division.”
NORTH Devon are back on top of the Tolchards DCL Premier Division after beating Kilmington in the Sandhills by 50 runs.
While North Devon were amassing 258 for nine against Kilmington, title rivals Torquay & Kingskerswell were heading for a 123-run defeat at Bridestowe & Belstone.
When the two results were added together, North Devon went four points clear at the top in what looks like a two-horse race for two promotion places.
Navindu Vanderbona (47) made early runs for North Devon, then Jack Whittaker (65) and Definate Mawadzi (35) were best of the rest.
Kilmington, still embroiled in a battle to stay out of the bottom two, were bowled out for 208 by Mawadzi (4-40) and James Lake (3-25).
Tom Gooding (40) and Luke Meek (73) were Kilmington’s principal run getters.
