In a tense cricket match, Topsham St James 1st XI narrowly defeated Ottery St Mary 2nd XI, helping the former's D Division East survival aspirations.

The game, held on August 21, was marked by intense competition and skill and saw both sides perform commendably.

Topsham, who batted first, saw all its top 6 batsmen achieve promising starts, with the highest scores being racked up by Josh Smalley with 22 runs and Adam Cooper managing 21.

However, impressive bowling from Ottery's Albert Southall-Brown, who took 3 wickets for 19, and Kevin Brandom, who also took 3 wickets but for 29, put Topsham in a difficult position at 148/7.

A resilient lower order, spearheaded by Dan Armstrong, who scored 26 runs, and Matt Reeves, who added 29 runs, pushed Topsham's total to a respectable 200.

Ottery's response began on an unstable footing with Steve Forbes bowled out for 0.

Matt Brewster and Peter Bennett, however, stabilised the situation, echoing Topsham's earlier performance.

Not long after the drinks break, skipper Brewster was dismissed having tallied an admirable 53 runs.

With the ordeal far from over, Ottery found themselves on the backfoot at 154/9.

Yet, they demonstrated spirit, with a late charge spurred by Freddie Eul-Barker and Kevin Brandom.

Heading into the final over, they needed just 7 runs for a win.

However, Topsham's teen seamer Rohan Antony was set to bowl and proved difficult to dispatch.

The last ball went through to the keeper, and despite a run being achieved, Topsham secured victory by a single run.

This fiercely fought encounter demonstrated the competitive character of both teams.

The hope is for the two sides to once again face each other at this level in the next season.

No doubt, both will be aiming for the upper hand.