SOUTH Devon made Ivybridge work every inch of the way for a two-wicket win that keeps them four points clear of Paignton 2nd XI at the top of the C West table.

Ivybridge probably thought the hard work was done after Lewis Clarke (3-22), Abraham Kopparambil (3-39) and Jake Dunn (3-17) had South Devon all out for 177 with an over to go.

Losing six wickets for 32 runs was not in the South Devon script but then Ivybridge were an unimpressive 21 for four in reply after nine overs following a going over from seamers Marshall (3-22) and Jon Martin (2-14).

Bit by bit Ivybridge chiselled away at the deficit with Harry Solomon (25), Cebo Tshiki (22) and Arthur Johnson (32) all making inroads. Warne (2-27) kept the pressure on with the ball for South Devon.

There was still work to be done at 139 for seven, which Ayash Upamal (30) and Dunn (25no) took care of.

Ashburton meanwhile were on the receiving end of the bounce-back win Paignton needed to steady their promotion prospects when the two sides met on the Bohea Field.

Mark Orchard, the former Devon pace bowler, reminded team-mates he can bat a bit as well with a century in Paignton’s total of 189 for nine. Sam Simcox was next best on 38.

Chris Yeo (4-43) dominated Ashburton’s bowling return.

Harry Bannister (21) dead heated with 21 extras for Ashburton, before they were bowled out for 101.

Sean Kirk (3-27), Mark Cobb (3-22) and Tom Blundell (3-18) were the bowlers who did the damage for Paignton.