STOKE Gabriel returned to the top of the B Division table thanks to a five-wicket win over basement side Chudleigh.

Chudleigh totalled 163 for seven in a game reduced to 41 overs a side due to bad weather and Stoke then knocked off the runs in response, with more than six overs to spare.

Matt Heather, the losing captain, said, “We have to work had to improve.

“We didn’t bowl consistently enough and put the ball in the right areas for long enough, so we didn't really threaten Stoke. “

Ashburton dropped down to fourth in the C West table following a 52-run defeat at the hands of Yelverton.

Skipper David Ackford top scored with 53 for Yelverton, who reached 200 for nine in a game reduced to 37 overs each due to wet weather.

Ashburton themselves faded away to 148 all with captain Lloyd White citing the pitch and ground conditions as a major factor.

“A delayed start on a wet wicket meant whoever won the toss would have bowled first,” said White.

“The wicket seemed to play better when slightly damp and when it started to dry out conditions suited the way Yelverton bowled.

“We bowled way too many four balls and four of our top five got starts, yet no one kicked on. You don't win many games by getting the basics wrong.”

Plymstock 2nd XI were knocked-off the top of the D Division West by a 34-run defeat away to Ipplepen 2nd XI.

Chris Needham blazed away for 119 off 95 balls – 19 fours, one six – in Ipplepen’s 40-over total of 249 for four.

From a good position, Plymstock declined from 190 for four to 199 for seven and on to 215 all out with two overs unused.

Tim Alsop, whose caught-and-bowled accounted for Cowen, was Pens’ leading wicket-taker with three for 15. Needham (2-54) assisted with the clearing out at the end.

Abbotskerswell 2nd XI suffered a run-rate defeat against Barton 2nd XI at Cricketfield Road.

A stand of 76 between Nick Guest (28) and Simon Harrison (38), plus another of 54 between Jamie Lock (38) and dad Andy (24), helped Abbots tot-up 187 for six in 45 overs.

Defeat leaves Abbots one off the bottom of the table with only Barton of all teams, below them.

Lastly, Chagford’s 100 percent season in the E Division West continued with a five-wicket win over Paignton 3rd XI.

Kevin Francis top scored for Paignton with 63 off 58 balls – eight fours, three sixes – in their all-out total of 166.

Chagford completed the chase with relative ease and this victory keeps them four points clear of Bridestowe at the top of the table.