BOVEY Tracey saw a promising position slip away at Sidmouth where they ended the Premier leaders' 100 per cent start to the season by battling for a draw.

The defending champions remain top of the table though, and their lead has widened from 22 to 26 points as results elsewhere among the chasing clubs were beneficial to the Sidmouth cause.

Chris Williams top-scored for Sidmouth with 40 in a total of 201 all out – Pete Bradley bagging five for 69 and brother Chris three for 47.

Bovey ran out of enthusiasm for the chase at 130 for five when Andy Fairbairn was caught behind off the top edge for 25.

A target of 72 to win in nine overs clearly didn't interest skipper Chris Bradley, who patted back what came his way as he and Richard Longstreet pottered along to a draw at 162 for five.

Anthony Griffiths (36) had Sidmouth's early runs with Williams keeping the middle order ticking over as the total reached 128 for four with 10 overs to go.

Sidmouth had wickets in hand so threw the bat at almost everything, which led to some 'highlights' cricket.

Pete Bradley had an eventful time on his way to collecting five wickets as one of his overs cost 27 runs – Adam Dibble and Miles Dalton taking it in turns to hit him for six.

Bovey started with intent – Peter Bradley (16) and Ben Ayres (22) hoisting a rapid 32, then there was a brief lull a couple of wickets fell and Lance Ames retired hurt with a broken finger.

Ferhaan Behardien clattered a brisk 41 – 17 coming in Will Murray's first over – and until he got out Bovey were the favourites.

Losing Behardien, then Fairbairn, slowed the chase, leading to the decision to go for the draw.