BOVEY Tracey came out on top by 127 runs in the basement battle with Stoke Gabriel on the Recreation Ground.

In the logjam at the bottom of the table to avoid going down with Abbotskerswell, Stoke and Bovey are among five teams in the mix. Just nine points divides all of them.

Instead of putting some distance between themselves and the bottom two at the expense of their relegation rivals, as they had hoped, Stoke are only five points clear. Bovey are a point below them now.

Bovey were limited to 220 for nine in their 45 overs – Brad Causey top scoring on 79 – then skipper Dan Green took five for 16 as Stoke were skittled for 93.

Jack Tolley, the Stoke captain, said: “We ended up at a point where we needed a run a ball, then we showed the perfect example of how not to chase a total against a side that bowled well.

“I don't need to point out how tight it is at the bottom. We will be giving everything to make sure we aren't in the bottom two come the end of the season.

“There are three huge games left. We need a big performance this week against (leaders) Budleigh.”

Green, the Bovey skipper, was largely cautious in his post-match comments.

“I know our the chances are,” said Green. We have brought Stoke into the box with us now, which should make for an interesting last three weeks.”

Sam Veal (38) and Reuben Stanley (31) were Causey’s supporting acts when Bovey batted. Isaac Worthington and Justin Pringle took three wickets each for Stoke.

It all went South for Stoke during a collapse from 50 for two to 62 for six. Adriaan Maxwell (22) top scored for Stoke before the terminal collapse.