CULLOMPTON pulled off the shock of the day in the A Division when they defeated leaders North Devon by eight wickets at their new Kingsford Park home.

North Devon have not been out of the top two since round two this season and appear to be on course for a return to Premier Division cricket next summer.

Cullompton had spent six successive weeks in the bottom two going into this game – and are still there now, despite this result.

But the gap between Cullompton and safety is down to 12 points – it was 21 – and they can do something about that this Saturday when they visit Bridestowe & Belstone. That is the team they have to overhaul.

North Devon’s batting had a collective off-day as Paul Rendall (3-30) and James Vincent (4-21) shot them out for 101 in the 33rd over, Best of a sorry set of scores was Jack Popham’s 16, followed by a matching pair of 15s from Jay Rothery and Reuben Windley.

Tinashe Kamunhukamwe opened the batting for Cullompton and was in at the end on 72 not out after lashing Popham for the match-winning boundary. Skipper Brendon Parr (13no) accompanied Kamunhukamwe during a 10-over partnership worth 68 runs.

Jack Moore, the North Devon captain, offered no excuses for the defeat.

“Credit to Cullompton – we didn't adapt to the conditions quickly enough and were beaten by the better side.”

Dan Kent, Cullompton’s match summariser, said: “James Vincent bowled really well to take four wickets, and Paul Rendall had the ball on a string. Our fielding and bowling made batting tough early on. 

“Tinashe showed everyone at the ground how to bat positively and sensibly. Two down for a hundred shows there no demons in the pitch

“It was a comprehensive victory that we will look to build on at Bridestowe.”