While any title ambitions are probably out of reach for Exmouth Cricket Club, largely due to Sandford’s healthy lead at the top, the Maer men can be assured of a place at the top table of Devon cricket next season.

A powerful bowling display handed Exmouth a relatively comfortable four-wicket win at Paignton on saturday and they will still hold aspirations of pushing into the top three of the Premier League.

George Greenway and Dan Pyle removed the Paignton openers, and Pyle continued to mesmerise the home top order, as he grabbed two more quick wickets. Jason Niemand and Pyle tore through the middle order and Paignton faced an embarrassing outcome on 59-8.

To their credit, Mark Orchard (22) and Tom Blundell (23) ensured Paignton could limp to a total of 120 all out and they maintained that mild momentum with the swift dismissal of James Horler.

Niemand, however, compiled a patient 36 in difficult conditions to linchpin the reply. Despite losing fairly regular wickets, a late barrage from Louis Adey, 21 runs in 13 balls, confirmed the win for Exmouth.

The Maer men host Cornwood on Saturday and sit 19 points behind their visitors. Sidmouth and Bradninch & Kentisbeare are also catchable for Exmouth with four weeks remaining in the season.

Budleigh Salterton face a tense conclusion to the A Division campaign, as they slipped into the bottom two by a single point behind Clyst St George after being outplayed by promotion-chasing Kilmington.

Budleigh toiled in the early stages of their innings and were in minor trouble on 35-3. Will Oxland was incredibly stubborn in compiling his 34 and Theo Northover also added a useful 20, as the hosts closed on a reasonable 174 all out.

Kilmington were imperious in their chase, captain Matt Rockett living up to his name with a tremendous 60 from just 42 balls, hitting 12 boundaries for a strike rate of 142.86. Brett Garner also hit an unbeaten half century, as Kilmington reached their target for the loss of just two wickets.

Exmouth 2nds are rooted to the bottom of C Division East after going down to a 57-run defeat at home to Uplyme & Lyme Regis. Budleigh Salterton 2nds edged to a two-wicket victory at Feniton in D Division East.