Honiton slipped to a disappointing two wicket defeat at the hands of Tiverton in what proved to be a close contest.

Honiton batted first and scored 228-8 thanks in the main to a fine 56 from Pete Matravers and a knock of 40 from skipper Rob Ingram.

Tiverton got home with two wickets to spare with the Honiton bowlers sharing the wicket taking honours.

Honiton skipper Ingram was clear as to the reason behind his side’s latest loss. He said: “We were 20 or 30 runs light and that proved to be the key at stumps.”

With regard to his team having now lost three times this season, Ingram said: “As we approach halfway it’s a concern to me that we are not better placed. One thing we have to do is start winning games that we should, win – and soon. If we can’t get that right then we are certainly not going to be successful over the second half of the league campaign. I do think we are a better side than our current position of fifth suggests. On the flip side of that it’s encouraging that, without us yet firing on all cylinders, we are just 14 points shy of second place so there’s plenty to play for.”

Next up for Honiton is Saturday’s visit to ailing Culmstock who have lost seven and just won once to date this season.