A few batting drills might be the order of the week at the Maer, as Exmouth stumbled to a 50-run defeat at champions Bradninch & Kentisbeare, who secured their first win of the Premier Division campaign.

Exmouth started superbly with the ball, Alvin Pollard and Peter Turnbull both claiming a brace of wickets, as the Bradninch top order was swept away. On 32/4, the home side were in trouble and the pattern continued with James Horler taking the catch of Yuvraj Singh for 18 from the bowling of Jason Niemand.

The hosts badly needed a stabilising force to build something resembling a competitive total. Rob Pryke answered the call with a battling 46 and Sam Franks struck an entertaining late 39 not out.

Exmouth, however, would have been content with their bowling display, sharing the wickets between Pollard, Turnbull, Niemand and George Greenway.

Chasing down 192, the Maer men lost Horler for just six but opening partner Niemand was back to his best with a strong 46 and number three Dan Pyle added 23 before being bowled by Singh. Exmouth were in a good place on 79/2 but then lost five wickets for just 23 runs.

Jerron John hit a stubborn 25 but the middle order collapse caused too much damage and Exmouth were all out for 142.

There was better news for Exmouth 2nds in C Division East, where they lead the table by four points from Ottery St Mary following a comfortable six-wicket success at home to Alphington and Countess Wear.

Sam Goodier (3/45) and Matt Coult (3/39) inflicted the damage with the ball and Alphington could only struggle their way to 160/9.

The Exmouth openers, Richards Baggs (42) and Sam Radford (39), took away any doubt with a fine partnership of 102, helped by a number of extras conceded by the visitors. Louis Adey and Sam Goodier steered Exmouth over the line with 12 overs to spare.

Exmouth Colts are also building some momentum in their season and there was a brilliant performance from the U12s, winning by 162 runs. The U13s had a 63-run success in a cracking display against Upottery but the U14s just lost out by nine runs in a thrilling match with Ottery St Mary.