Honiton did their hopes of a top two finish in the Tolchards Devon League D Division East a power of good with a terrific three wicket win at long time divisional leaders Kentisbeare.

The home side batted first and Honiton’s opening bowlers did well to keep a check on the home side’s early scoring on what is a small and compact ground at Kentisbeare.

David Armstrong 36, had some early runs and skipper Scott Chappell chipped in with 41.

However, seamers Phil Tansley, Harry Wright and Adam Holmes were able to hold a measure of control on proceedings.

Josh Farley (41) and Neil Farley (32) served up useful lower order contributions, but the bulk of the wicket taking was done by the spinners with Rob Ingram (2-26), Mike Docherty (2-33) and Alan Oslter (3-38) bagging success with the ball.

There was also a terrific run-out set up by a wonderful throw from the boundary by Adam Holmes that struck the stumps to end the batsman’s innings as the home side were bowled out for 228.

The Honiton run chase was given a wonderful start by openers Dave Haysom (71) and skipper Tom Strawbridge (31) – the pair adding 115 for the first wicket. Further runs came from the bats of Adam Holmes (39) and Pete Matravers (40) before a couple of wickets were lost mid-innings.

However, just as the home side were perhaps sensing ‘snatching victory fro the jaws of defeat’ Harry Wright scored what proved to be the winning runs and seal a three wicket win for Honiton.

The win leaves the Mountbatten Park men up to third in the table.

This Saturday they travel to bottom of the table Woodbury and Newton St Cyres who have yet to register a single win this term.

Latest D Division East table

P W L T A Pts

Barnstaple 11 9 1 0 1 186

Upottery 11 8 2 0 1 174

Honiton 11 7 5 0 0 164

Chardstock 11 7 3 0 1 163

Kentisbeare 11 7 4 0 0 163

Halberton & SP 11 6 5 0 0 151

Topsham SJ 11 4 6 0 1 113

Axminster 11 2 8 0 1 105

Tiverton 11 2 9 0 0 92

Woodbury & NS 11 0 10 0 1 62