The scorecard says a defeat for Exmouth and another winning notch for unbeaten leaders Cornwood but the top side in the Tolchards Devon Cricket League have not been pushed harder all season.

Batting first, Cornwood demonstrated their power with a fine opening partnership of 150 from Jay Bista (96) and Max Finzel (54). Alvin Pollard eventually claimed the wicket of Finzel and Lawrence Greenway denied Bista his century, both were caught by Sam Goddier.

Number three Ben Beaumont also added 46 for the hosts but Exmouth gradually stemmed the flow of runs and Cameron Kidd ended with 4/68 in keeping the Cornwood total down to a tough, but achievable, 270.

Talismanic opener Jason Niemand was dismissed for nine but James Horler (43) and captain Finlay Marks (50) chipped away at the target. A blasting 40 from 19 balls by Louis Adey kept Exmouth right in the game until the end.

The final Exmouth pair of Alvin Pollard and Greenway required 16 runs from the last over for a miraculous victory. They gave everything but Cornwood held on to win by just nine runs.

A brave effort from the Maer men, who can now look forward to a special local derby at home to Sidmouth this weekend.

In the A Division, Budleigh Salterton were involved in an equally dramatic game, this time falling the right side of the final result at home to Plymouth.

Budleigh struggled to 32/3 in a slow start, although a patient 25 from Sam Whitehead did provide stability and the innings was given a huge injection of positivity by Tom Oxland, who fired his way to a superb 75 from 81 balls, including 11 boundaries.

There were a few more minor contributions down the order, as Budleigh finished on 189 all out.

The Plymouth reply began in ominous fashion, with openers Teddy Haffenden (50) and Mohammad Siddiqui (53) taking the visitors to 100/1, and a great position to win the game.

Budleigh needed a bowling hero and Joseph Marley accepted the challenge with a dazzling spell that saw him take six wickets for the loss of just 13 runs. Plymouth were all out for 177, 12 runs short of their target and a great result for Budleigh, who host Tavistock on Saturday.