Whimple’s stay as the leading side in the E Division ended after just one week as they went down to in-form Topsham St James who defeated them by four wickets in a low scoring affair.

It was certainly one of those games when the rain left the toss being all decisive.

The heavens opened prior to the start and Whimple skipper Ben Silk lost the flip of the coin and that was the point at which his side always looked the least likely to end the day victorious!

Wickets fell at regular intervals as the hosts slumped to 50-8.

The Whimple bowlers were given something to target thanks to the exploits of number nine bat Joe Burden and number ten Steve Hathaway who struck 27 and 29 respectively, taking their side to a close of 108 all out.

The visitors reply was hit early on as they slipped to 23-3. They rallied, but Whimple, led superbly by skipper Ben Sulk, battled back again and at 63-4 the outcome was in the balance once more.

However, despite taking two further wickets, the home side were unable to affect a winning end to the game and they succumbed to a four wicket defeat.

The defeat was softened with news promotion rivals Whitchurch had suffered defeat at the hands of Kilmington to leave the sides joint second behind new leaders Babbacombe with all three sides having four games to play.

Whimple travel to Kentisbeare on Saturday, then visit Kilmington before what looks the crunch game, an August 24 home meting with Babbacombe before they end the season at Bridestowe.

New leaders Babbacombe are home to Bridestowe on Saturday then visit Kenn before that game at Whimple after which they conclude their season at home to Topsham St James.

Whitchurch entertain Upottery on Saturday then go to Yarcombe and Stockland before a home game with Kentisbeare and they end their campaign with a trip to Kenn.