Seaton claimed a superb home success over Ipplepen, moving 29 points clear of the three relegation places that B Division has while also putting a severe dent in the promotion hopes of the South Devon-based visitors.

Seaton skipper Ben Morgan lost the toss and was asked to send his batsmen in first. Openers Matt Hewer and Robbie Prior gave the side a super start, putting on 106 for the first wicket which was Hewer for 33.

Josh Cann (6), Brain Cann (8) and Joel Seward (12), were followed back to the pavilion by Prior – but no before the one had struck a wonderful 121-ball 93 hitting seven fours and one six. Skipper Morgan was joined by Stephen Pritchard and the pair added good late innings runs with Morgan last man out, stumped off the final delivery for an 18-ball 27. Pritchard was the not out batsman with the Seaton total 227-6 after 45 overs.

When Ipplepen began their reply Joe Berry struck twice, aided by catches by Pritchard and wicketkeeper Josh Cann.

When Phil Collins hit the stumps to claim a third wicket, the reply was 42-3. The middle order rallied, but from 92-3, Tim Mitchell bagged three wickets in quick succession. He held a smart return catch before seeing Kersley Sutton claim a catch and then Joel Seward showed safe hands and suddenly, Ipplepen were 100-6.

That was soon 117-7 with Cann taking a smart stumping off Seward to end the half century innings of the visiting opener. Two more wickets fell without a run being added as Seward claimed a second and Mitchell a fourth to leave the ‘chase’ all but ended on 117-9.

The last two though dud in and, despite a fine effort by Seaton skipper Morgan to end the partnership – he tried eight different bowlers – the final wicket was not to be lost and Ipplepen closed on 167-9 after their 45 overs leaving Seaton comfortable winners. Tim MItchell took the bowling honours with his return of 4-35 from nine overs.

With four games remaining in the season including two of the current bottom three, Seaton ought to be able to accrue enough points to finish mid-table which would be a fine season’s work on the clubs return to the third tier of Tolchards Devon League cricket. This Saturday (August 12), Seaton entertain Tavistock before they visit Barton and then Shobrooke and they end the season at home to an Ottery St Mary side that will be already relegated by the time they meet on the first Saturday in September.