MOVES by North Devon and Braunton to strengthen their second XIs paid off for differing reasons.

While North Devon ensured their survival in the premier division with a victory over Sandford, Braunton beat Chudleigh to replace them at the top of the final B division table.

Craig Overton, who has had a terrific summer in the first XI premier division, struck 77 for North Devon.

Bob Heaman added 53 and Warren Miller 49 not out in their 246 for five.

Tim Cook then ran through Sandford, taking seven for 16 as they were rolled over for 76, condemning them to the bottom of the final table.

Exmouth's defeat to Bovey Tracey meant North Devon would have been safe regardless of their result.

Braunton had gone into their game at Chudleigh trailing the hosts by seven points.

By the time they had bowled them out for 113, with Chris Brigden taking five wickets for 39 runs, they had one hand on the trophy.

They made a meal of the run chase but got home with two wickets to spare, largely thanks to Wayne Manning's 35.

Barnstaple and Pilton's draw at Ipplepen, which earned them seven points, was enough to avoid relegation from the C division.

Bob Pedlar took three 24 in Ipplepen's 154 for eight. Martin Ash scored 30 in Barum's reply of 124 for seven.

Title-winning Hatherleigh finished the A division season with two defeats.

The second was by 59 runs at Sidmouth third XI who posted 170, Sean Letheren taking four for 52, before bowling the champions out for 111.

North Devon third XI finished second in the E division (east), from which only the winners are promoted.

Tom Ansell scored 40 in North Devon's 157 for five against Upottery, who were bowled out for 64, Luke Ansell taking four for nine.