BRAUNTON overcame a tail-end attack of the jitters to clinch a North Devon derby win over Bideford with one wicket left and three balls left in the game.

Bideford, who had creaked in places themselves, scraped up an all-out total of 180 in the last of their 50 overs. When they were 75 for six it is a safe bet skipper Jack Ford would have been grateful for 180 all out.

Braunton veered from 106 for three to 131 for seven, then got within two runs of victory thanks to James Kemp and Ian Roberts.

Losing two wickets on 179 was a complication Braunton could have done without, but Roberts dispatched Elliot Curry for four to win it.

Sam Reddick, the triumphant captain, said an ‘excellent bowling performance’ couldn’t fully disguise the work needed when batting.

“Good discipline, and sticking to our plans with the ball was backed up with a good fielding performance,” said Reddick. 

“We’ve found a way to take some early wickets this season which has helped us control large periods of play.

“We gifted Bideford six wickets with poor shots from our top order, which has to improve.

“Kemp and Roberts showed their experience and executed that run chase (almost) perfectly and pull us out of a tricky spot.”

Bideford opener James Ford batted time for his 39 of 120 balls, adding 117 runs with others at the opposite end. Alex Hannam (26) and Marcus Bulled (41) chipped in down the order.

Dan Brierley (3-29) took the bowling pat on the back for Braunton.

Reddick (41) made top-end runs for Braunton, which were augmented by Callum Mitchell (29) in the middle order. 

Kemp (29) and Roberts (21no) put on 48 for the eighth wicket to repair damage done by Fawaaz Gallie (3-44).

Skipper Ford said Bideford’s batters need to start applying themselves more consistently for results to improve.

“Our top order really need to start taking some responsibility and give those players down the order a better platform,” said Ford.

““You aren’t going to win many games of cricket from 41 for four or 75 for six, but to get to 180 was testament to our batting depth.

“To try and defend a well under-par score of 180, on a good batting wicket with small boundaries was always going to be tough. But to take it to the last over and take nine wickets with us  shows the togetherness and spirit in the team currently.”