South Devon's safety cushion cut to three points

SOUTH Devon gave promotion-chasing Paignton a scare before shutting up shop and taking the safety-first route to a draw.

Deposed leaders Paignton – who have ceded top spot to Braunton – were held to 193-5 on their first league visit to Marsh Road since 1994.

South Devon, who need the points to stay out of the bottom two, were going great guns at 124-3 – Carl Huyser making 30 – and had Paignton worried.

The turning point was the dismissal of Phil Blackmore for 25 when Seb Benton trapped him lbw.

Chris Metters chipped in with 28 as South Devon slowed to 151-7 at the close.

Steve George was the pick of the bowlers with 4-54.

Earlier, Benton (40) and Matt Turner (37) gave Paignton a 70-run start that Richard Cooper (37) and Rob Shergold (30 not out) added too.

Paul Hooper bowled tidily to keep the runs down and Blackmore was impressive during his 2-29 spell.

South Devon remain three off the bottom of the table, but their safety cushion is only three points as Brixham closed right up on them after beating Heathcoat.