BIDEFORD continue to be the “surprise package” and following their six-wicket win at North Devon it seems that Bthey really are now ready to make this season's title race a four-team battle as opposed to the “Big Three” of North Molton, North Devon and Sandford, who have been out in front in each of the last two seasons.
Bideford's win at Instow, which keeps them clear at the top of the First Division, came off the back of a fine individual performance from Tom Allin who first took 3-32 in the home side's total of 167 and then Allin struck an unbeaten 63 as he and Sam Hughes (54), together with Dan Bowser (22) saw their side to a comfortable six wicket win.
Newton Tracey got the better of Filleigh in a low scoring affair. Andrew Spencer-Peate (4-32) and Gary Chatham (4-7) did the damage with the ball as Filleigh were bowled out for 96. Mark Prideaux offering the only real resistance with 34, Tom Williams then top scored with 32 in the successful run chase.
Sandford produced a stunning performance to beat Beaford at Creedy Park by three wickets and it was all down to a player who is more noted for his exploits with the ball!
Former Devon fast bowler John Rhodes strode to the crease with his side on 58-5 chasing the visitors' 214-5 and he promptly smashed a magnificent century, finally out for 106.
Mike Canning hit an unbeaten 45 and Bob Eames hit 21 as the hosts got home with three wickets and overs to spare. Earlier Eames, Ryan Glass and Pete Glass had each taken a wicket.
North Molton had no game but picked up another 20 points, this because scheduled opponents Ilfracombe couldn't raise a side and there are now very real fears that Ilfracombe are set to withdraw their two sides from the League.
In Division Two Heathcoat went down by 53 runs at Barnstaple & Pilton II and there was also a seven-wicket defeat for Shobrooke Park who were beaten at home by Bratton Flemin.
But Bradninch march on as they won a fourth successive game and became the first side to beat Lynton & Lynmouth this season courtesy of a Ross Acton-inspired five-wicket win.
Acton took 6-15 in nine splendid overs and there were also wickets for the veteran Les Kent and teenager Nick Dean as hosts Lynton were dismissed for 124, then, with his side in some difficulty on 62-5, Acton hit an unbeaten 23 as he and Tim Piper (43no) see their side to a five-wicket win and outright leadership of the Division.
In Division Three the winning start to the season of Witheridge-based Incorrigibles ended with a 89-run defeat at home to 100 per centers Holsworthy. Karl Bremmer hit 42 of his side's 124 in reply to the visitors 213-7, Selwyn Elston picked up a couple of wickets.
No joy either for Tiverton & Bickleigh but they very nearly completed the come back of the day. Having been rolled over for a miserable 92 of which Mark Hutchinson got 25, they so nearly effected an unlikely win for North Devon II were down to their last two batsmen when the winning line was reached. Nick Roud took 4-15 in nine excellent overs.
Division Six leaders Halberton continued their winning start to their new life in the North Devon league as they beat visiting North Molton II by six wickets.
Four of the side's younger players each grabbed a brace of wickets, Ben Franks, his brother Sam, Will Austin and Tommy Cole were the successful quartet with the ball and then Adrian Hills with an unbeaten 29 and Jeremy Turner with an unbeaten 26 saw their side to a comfortable win.