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LOVERLY BUBBERLY! Keith Benton leads the celebrations by pouring the champers after Paignton's
win over Exeter in the 1998 Devon Cup final at Bovey Tracey

CUP FINAL - 1998

PAIGNTON snatched the Devon KO Cricket Cup off Exeter in a thrilling final at Bovey Tracey.

   Set 161 to win in 40 overs, Exeter seemed to be cruising as they reached the last six overs needing 34 to win with five wickets intact and Ian Coulton (44) and Steffan Jones (34) seemingly on top of the bowling.

   Then Tim Ward struck twice in quick succession to send back Coulton, then Jones, and suddenly it was game on again.

   Exeter got down to the last over needing 13 to win and with only two wickets intact the balance had shifted Paignton's way.

   It proved too much for Exeter, who were bowled out for 154 with Ward taking four for 29 and Martin Powell, whose catch sent back Jones, claiming three for 43.

   Earlier, Paignton had totalled 160 for six in their 40-over allocation with Wayne Blackman (59) leading the way.

   Blackman and Nick Heale (38) put on 97 for the first wicket with Ward (18no) and Justin Mann (16no) adding a valuable 33 for the seventh lower down.

   Paignton 160-6 (W Blackman 59, N Heale 38; A Redmond 4-27, G Lammonby 2-29), Exeter 154 (I Coulton 44; T Ward 4-29, M Powell 3-43).