NORTH Devon continue to set the pace in the Tolchards DCL A Division after beating Bridestowe & Belstone by five wickets.

A Shaquan Glasgow century was the foundation for a Bridestowe & Belstone tally of 262 for six.

Skipper Jack Moore replied in kind for North Devon with an unbeaten 134 that clinched victory with five balls left in the 50th and final over.

Victory keeps North Devon (77pts) ahead of Ivybridge (74) at the top, but by a reduced margin of two dropped bowling bonus points.

Glasgow, in at first wicket down, was at one end during stands that added 226 runs. His partnership with Kian Burns contributed 208 of them!

Burns was first to go for 71 Tom Popham (2-39), who added Glasgow for 108 in his next over.

North Devon made a hesitant start in reply with four of the top five out for 41 scored. Moore, in at nine for one, was the batter B&B missed and he got his head down for a match-winning, three-hour stay.

Popham (25) then Steffan James (40no) were running mates as the target came down. Moore finished it by hitting Glasgow for four at the start of the last over.

Moore said North Devon found a way to win against a good side despite not dominating all the way through. 

“Ultimately, it was a game that had a really high standard of cricket but another where we know we have got away with it,” said Moore.

“Shaq and Kian batted well but our bowlers stuck at it and dragged us back into it.

“Tough start but Tom Popham's innings was vital in weathering the storm. Steff James, on his return to the side, played a superb innings under pressure.

“You're always going to be fairly close if you bat the 50 overs in a chase.”

Moore also had words of appreciation for the North Devon supporters for urging the team on.

“Our crowd put in a shift at the back end in supporting every run,” he said.

Tallan Burns, the Bridestowe & Belstone captain, felt his side let North Devon get off the hook.

“A really disappointing result considering the position Shaq and Kian got us into,” said Burns.

“To have a team 41 for four chasing 260 and let them off is criminal, especially when you leak 51 extras!

“We have to bowl and field a lot better if we want to be at the right end of the table.”