HOLDERS North Devon kept a tight grip on the North Devon T20 KO Cup by defeating challengers Bideford by eight wickets in the twice-delayed final at Barnstaple & Pilton CC.
Bideford were reduced to 12 fort three due to tight opening spells from Jack Moore [3-14) and Josh King (1-16).
Julian Hayter (36) and Alex Hannam (22) led Bideford’s fightback during a stand of 65. Both fell victim to Jay Rothery before Bideford’s innings closed on 99 for eight.
Rothery and King opened for North Devon and broke the back of the run chase with a stand of 82. Rothery confirmed his man-of-the-match performance with 47.
Jack Ford spun out Rothery and King with victory in sight, which left Rueben Windley and Moore plenty of time to see North Devon home.
Exford beat Ilfracombe by 56 runs in a North Devon League fixture. Exford amassed 161 for nine in their 40 overs. James Griffiths (64) and Paul Jones (21) rescued the home side from 71 for six with a stand of 73.
John Garner, and Tom Ward took three wickets each for Combe
Ilfracombe’s run chase never really got going and they were eventually all out for 105. Streevishnu Komath decimated Ilfracombe’s batting with four for 31.
There were a load of runs at Braunton where Barnstaple & Pilton were the visitors.
James Kemp opened for the hosts and was still there at the end on 120 not out in a total of 230 for seven.
There were a couple of wickets each for Jamie Sutton and Tony Gilbert.
Step brothers Matt Newton (103) and Dom Chugg (53) bolstered B&Ps run chase with a stand of 165 for the third wicket.
Newton scored his maiden century from 96 balls. He hit 11 fours and two sixes as the visitors won by six wickets, with nine balls to spare. Joe Mullens took a couple of wickets for the hosts.