Devon Cricket League C Division East: Ottery St Mary 196-4 (19pts) beat Uplyme & Lyme Regis (195-8 (6pts) by six wickets.

Uplyme’s bowling attack failed to make any significant in-roads into the Ottery batting order as the home side comfortably chased down the total of 195 with thirteen overs to spare on Saturday.

Ottery opener Alex Clements batted almost through his side’s innings for 66, but he was soon overtaken by the hard-hitting Sam Rose, coming in at number five, who was unbeaten at the end with a score of 84.

Batting first, Uplyme got away to a bright start with openers Preston Hilless and Daniel Magee putting on 51 before the first wicket fell.

Magee, who hit almost all his runs in boundaries, went for 21 while Hilless finally reached a useful 37, including six fours, before being caught from a lofted shot into the deep.

Most of the remaining batters got through the initial stages of their innings but were not able consolidate.

Mark Batey (15) was unlucky when the ball rolled back onto his stumps to dislodge one bail, Alfie Jacques (19) was out attempting a risky shot and Steve Batey hit a stylish 29 which included two text-book cover drives off consecutive balls.

Max Felgate was unbeaten on 13 when the innings closed and Nabi Temori, also 13, struck some late lusty blows.

Jody Clements was the pick of the Ottery bowlers with 3 for 26 off his nine overs and he was well supported by Rose who finished with figures of 3 for 38.

With Alex Clements anchoring the Ottery innings at one end, the home side made steady progress towards the total needed and although Uplyme picked up some wickets early on, the arrival of Rose at the crease soon put the game beyond their reach.

Rose’s unbeaten 84 was scored off 50 balls and included nine fours and four sixes while Hilless returned Uplyme’s best bowling figures of two for 30 from seven overs.

Uplyme, who entertain bottom of the table Budleigh Salterton II this weekend, remain sixth in the table while Ottery move up into third place.