Ottery 2nd XI were edged out by a margin of just 23 runs when they entertained a Barton II side who are looking for promotion into the top tier of 2nd XI cricket.

Barton batted first and the Ottery bowlers did their work well, bowling the visitors’ out for 194 in 40.2 overs. Third change Jack Dallyn took the individual honours with a return of four wickets for 26 runs from his eight overs. Albert Southall-Brown (2-34) and Sam Brook (2-34), each bagged a brace and there were single wickets for Luke Tierney and Jack Malden.

With opener Tom Peter leading the reply, the Otters were ‘well in the game’ at 12-4, but the loss of five wickets for just 26 runs left them on the brink at 146-9. The last pair of Alex Tubbs (14no) and Gavin Iley (10) provided excellent resistance, adding 25 for the final wicket before the Otters were eventually al out for 171 in 41.2 overs.

Peter provided the top score of 50 and, until he was seventh man out with the score than 139-7, Ottery looked very capable of going on to win the match. Sam Brook hit the ‘best of the rest’ with a knock of 25 from the number five berth.

Tomorrow (Saturday), Ottery 2nds visit table-topping Paignton looking to become only the second side to defeat them in the league this season.