Ottery St Mary put up a valiant display before slipping to a four-wicket defeat at the hands of leaders Teignmouth and Shaldon in C Division East of the Tolchards Devon Cricket League.

The Otters have their own promotion ambitions after a strong start to the season and, despite losing opener Keith Moody for just four, the combination of Alex Clements (68) and Jonathan Triner (57) gave them a strong start.

At 145-1, Ottery were in a great position to compile a hefty target but the collapse that followed was brutal, as they lost their next eight wickets for just 47 runs. None of the middle order or tail could reach double figures and the Otters finished on a disappointing 192-9.

Triner and Sam O’Nyons dismissed the Teignmouth and Shaldon openers cheaply but a partnership of 104 in the middle order took the table-toppers to the brink of victory. The hosts reached their target with four wickets and eight overs to spare.

Ottery are back on home soil this weekend, with Heathcoat 2nds the visitors. Sidmouth 2nds travel to Shobrooke Park in the same division.

Sidbury are still looking for a first victory in E Division East, despite a battling effort at home to Bradninch & Kentisbeare 2nds.

Ed Chester (33), Oliver Paget (37) and Billy Collin (33) helped Sidbury to a reasonable total of 177-6 and early wickets for Alex Paget and Damien Armes put the visitors under pressure. To their credit, B&K rallied well and a blasting 58 from 38 balls by Jez Findlay gave them a six-wicket success. Sidbury host Chardstock on Saturday.

Ottery St Mary 2nds occupy second place behind Woodbury & Newton St Cyres after they cruised to an eight-wicket win over Chardstock.

Will Harrison and John Buckland took three wickets each, and there were braces for Simon Harris and Arun Lovell, as Chardstock were skittled out for a paltry 102.

Ottery made light work of reaching the target. Matthew Brewster (33), Richard Jackson (26 no) and Harsha Liyanage (23 no) did the damage to secure victory in 24 overs and Ottery can now look forward to an early-season six-pointer with promotion rivals Woodbury this weekend.