STOKE Gabriel took a massive step towards B Division safety with a 45-run win over Clyst St George.

Just one point from this Saturday’s away game at Bideford – that’s 40 runs scored, or two wickets taken – will put Stoke 20 points clear of what second-bottom Ipplepen could get if they win the relegation decider with Braunton.

And as Pens cannot catch Stoke on games won, which is the determining factor when points are level, Jack Tolley’s side would be safe. He would prefer at least two points, just in case…

With Bovey Tracey 2nd XI and Braunton sandwiched in between the pair as well though, Stoke being sucked into that dreaded ninth spot would be a really unlikely travesty.

Isaac Withington (53) and Adriaan Maxwell (40) pointed Stoke towards a total of 249 for seven on the Eastley Memorial Ground. They put on 79.

Best of the rest were Tolley (34) and Will Culver (29no), who added 61 for the seventh wicket.

Andrew Donovan (2-37) and Ewan Cragg (2-37) had identical bowling returns for CSG.

Clyst had plenty to do after slipping to 95 for five in reply. Only Wiehann Meyer (31) made much headway against Jake Robinson (3-44).

Donovan (45) and skipper Dan Kendall (43) effected a recovery to 156 for six – and it was only the captain’s demise at 190 for seven that curtailed the chase.

Tolley (2-37), Justin Pringle (2-34) and Liam Mair (2-36) all took bottom-half wickets before Clyst bowed out on 204.

As previously mentioned, Stoke Gabriel conclude their campaign with a visit to Bideford, who are one place and 17 points better off than them.

Besides jostling for final position, there is nothing riding on the game for their opponents whatsoever, plus Stoke know they won the reverse fixture back in June.