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D DIVISION EAST 2nd XI

IN D Division East Axminster II lead the table but they couldn't make it six wins from six at Honiton II where the game ended in an honorable draw.

   Axminster batted first and got off to a ‘flyer' thanks to Ian Barwick (64) and at 107-1 in the 17th over the visitors looked set for a big score. But then home skipper Bob Hill and Steve Jennings took over bowling duties and they made an immediate impact, but then Axminster's middle order took charge and the innings closed on an imposing 241-7, Hill finishing with 3-57.

   The hosts' reply lost early wickets and at 148-7 it looked odds on another Axminster win but then Andy Branford (59no) and Rob Cheeseman (23) set about innings repair and it worked a treat allowing their side to close on 191-8.

   Honiton skipper Hill said: “We are the first team to take match points off Axminster this season so I'm pleased with the draw!

   However, we cannot keep gifting teams 40-50 runs every week. Chasing 240 plus is always going to be difficult and we must tighten up our bowling and fielding!"

   Ottery St. Mary II are the nearest challengers to leaders Axminster after an eight-wicket ‘stroll' at struggling Cullompton who scored a respectable 200-9 but that was passed at a canter by the Otters who lost just two wickets in the run chase.

   Kilmington II are up to fourth after another fine win, this time with a nine wicket victory over Thorverton. The Mid Devon side batted first and laboured their way to 140 in the face of some fine bowling by Hal Cook 4-27 and Dave Lavender (3-32), and then Luke Baker (67no) and John Lavender (36) saw their side to a comfortable twenty point win.