Another sensational batting display from the irrepressible Bryce Parsons lifted Sidmouth back into the title race with a thumping 70-run victory at Paignton.

After a frustrating home loss to Bradninch & Kentisbeare last week, Sidmouth needed a response to keep up the pressure at the top of an increasingly tight Premier Division in the Tolchards Devon Cricket League.

Parsons duly delivered a mesmerising 161 from just 121 balls, striking an incredible 26 boundaries in the process. It was a bewildering performance to watch, as the Paignton attack toiled in the search for answers to such a brutal display of batting.

Parsons was joined at the other end by Taylor Ingham-Hill with the score on 68-3, and the duo put on a stand of 197 runs to break home hearts. Fittingly, Ingham-Hill reached his century just before the innings closed on 331-5.

Sidmouth then struck in the first over the reply, Matt Parker taking the catch from the bowling of Will Murray to remove opener Harry Ward. Paignton did put together some steady partnerships but always looked well short of the required run rate. Charlie Miles and Jash Patidar took three wickets each for Sidmouth.

Sidmouth captain Luke Bess told the DCL website: “Bryce did what he does – long may it continue – and Taylor’s first Premier hundred for us was not a surprise.

“Taylor has been looking good this season – especially the last couple of weeks – and also picked-up the big wicket of Neil Hancock when he bowled. A great day for him.”

Ottery St Mary were equally impressive in their ruthless nine-wicket demolition of local rivals Exmouth 2nds in C Division East.

Exmouth actually made a great start to their innings, Sam Radford (57) and Tom Rintoul (34) putting on 72 for the first wicket. Joe Birch eventually grabbed the wicket of Rintoul and Sam O’Nyons snaffled his partner.

The home side faded badly down the order to finish on a below par 173-9, with O’Nyons leading the bowling figures on 3-36. Keith Moody replied with a wonderful knock to win the match in style, bashing 104 unbeaten off 78 balls, ably supported by a steady 42 not out from Jonathan Triner. Ottery move on to another derby this weekend, at home to Sidmouth 2nds.