TORQUAY & Kingskerswell went back to the top of the A Division, but only just, thanks to a 24-run win at Budleigh Salterton.

North Devon were top of the table going into round 15 of 18, but were toppled by an eight-wicket defeat at Cullompton.

The title rivals are level on 228 points each in the latest table, bit Torquay’s superior collection of bonus points gives them a slight edge.

Torquay & Kingskerswell were glad of a dogged 64 not out down the order from James Tyler for pointing them towards 222 for eight.

Ben Pomare (47) got T&K up to 80 for four. Tyler in soon after at 84 for five, was involved in stands that added 138 to the total, Chris Kelmere (37) was his running mate in a partnership worth 90.

Seven bowlers had a go for Budleigh. Ed Doble (3-28) fared best.

Harry Baxendale was the man of the moment for T&K with a five-wicket haul that reduced Budleigh to 151 for seven on the chase. Max Mejzner (43) and Luke Davies (29) were among the casualties.

Tyler staked an irrefutable claim for man-of-the-match with three for 27 in the sweeping-up process that dismissed Budleigh for 198.

Doble, the Budleigh captain, may have been disappointed but was not too downhearted.

“It was a good, competitive game which was probably decided by one partnership from them which allowed them to get to a very competitive score on the wicket,” said Doble.