Windley brothers steer North Devon to victory over Cullompton as three-way promotion race heats up

North Devon

NORTH Devon stay second behind Bradninch in the new-look A Division after a consigning struggling Cullompton to a tenth successive defeat, writes Conrad Sutcliffe

The margin of victory at Instow was six wickets and the outcome leaves North Devon on average points of 17.30 with leaders Bradninch (19.13) and third-placed Torquay (16.14) the only rivals left in the promotion race. North Devon paceman Jack Moore reaches the point of no return against Cullompton

Opener Jamal Anwar top scored with 51 in even time for Cullompton in their all-out total of 168.

Jason Parr chipped in with 39 – he and Anwar put on 60 for the fourth wicket – and an unusually restrained Brendon Parr made 35 off 69 balls.

Jack Moore (4-35) topped the bowling stats for North Devon, although spinners George McEndoo (1-22) and Ben Howe (2-27) were both more economical.

Howe (0) had a rare failure at the top of the order and when James Vincent (3-22) followed up by snaring Moore the home side were 14 for two.

Dan Bowser (40) and James Tyson (20) got North Devon back in track, which left the Windley brothers, Isaac (33) and Reuben (56) to win the game with an unbroken stand of 84.

North Devon skipper Tom Popham said with six games to go in the three-way fight for two promotion places, every victory is vital.

“It is important at this stage of the season to keep winning,” said Popham. 

“We were not at our best and Cullompton put in a good game which is credit to their lads.

“It was good to see that when our most common run getters get an early one, others have and will step-up, which Reuben and Isaac Windley did perfectly this game. 

“That shows we aren't reliant on a small selection of players and that we bat very deep.”

North Devon are away to second-bottom Abbotskerswell this Saturday.

The Windley brothers – Isaac (left) and Reuben (right) coming off the field at Instow after steering North Devon to victory