BRAUNTON avoided slipping back into relegation danger with a five-wicket win over promotion-chasers Plymstock.

With travellers illegally parked on Plymstock’s own home at Dean Cross, a venue had to be found to get the game on.

Blundell’s School on the outskirts of Tiverton offered their ground at short notice, which solved the where-to-play problem.

Plymstock made 237 all out in the 43rd of their 45 overs, which Braunton knocked-off in the same time frame.

Braunton are hovering five points above the drop spots with relegation rivals Ipplepen to play on the final day. The survival scrap has some way to go yet.

Ordinarily, this defeat could have been a serious setback to Plymstock’s promotion prospects in a three-way scrap with Budleigh Salterton and Ivybridge.

Although Budleigh won, Ivybridge lost at Bideford and the one-two-three at the top remains tight with Budleigh (218pts) leading Plymstock (206) with Ivybridge (201) five behind.

Tyrese Karelse (87) and Alex Thomas (70) were the main run scorers in Plymstock’s total. They rescued the home-from-home side from an unimpressive 98 for five with Jacob Hole in and out for 22. Archie Hall was 27 not out when he ran out of people to bat with.

Spin was king for Braunton with four wickets for Jon Baglow (4-28) and three for Steve Moore (3-36).

Braunton made a patchy start with their first three in and out for 23. Skipper Sam Reddick was one of them: bowled by Rob Cunningham having decided not to offer a shot!

Losing all-rounder Theo Valeri to injury in the field meant Braunton were a batter down on the chase.

Kyle Faber hit a season’s best of 116 not out for Braunton to put them on the road to victory. His stand of 158 with James Kemp (51) altered the complexion of the game.

Dan Brierley (31no) was in at the end and dispatched Hall for four to win it.

Reddick described it as ‘a massive win’ then added: “We had to show some real fight and character to earn.

“Having Plymstock nine for three put us on top early. Luan Matthews (2-45) continues to impress and his first spell was a pleasure to watch.

“Kyle and James batted superbly to dig us out of our own trouble, showing real application at the crease.

“We need someone to step up each week if we are going to stay in this division, and that's what happened.”

Tom Mitch, the Plymstock captain, remains upbeat despite this setback.

“I don't think we were too far off it all day,” said Mitch.

“Tyrese and Alex batted very well to recover a poor start and Jacob looked good again on his return to the side.

“Not batting all of our overs was criminal on a very good wicket.

“Faber hit a chanceless hundred and we couldn't keep them behind the rate as the innings progressed. Probably, we were 30 short in the end.”