Matt Golding - top scored for Bovey Tracey<br>credit: http://www.ppauk.com/photo/1029731/

EXETER skipper Miles Lenygon said the batting has to improve after a five-wicket defeat by Bovey Tracey on the County Ground.

Bovey chased 191 to win and got them with 14 balls to spare. Matt Golding’s 75 not out was the winning knock for Bovey, who have a third share of top spot with Paignton and Torquay after the opening round of games.

Lenygon said Exeter needed at least another 50 runs to be competitive.

“It was a good enough wicket and 240 was a par score,” said Lenygon.

“We were pretty naive with the bat, but I was happy with the bowling and fielding.

“We did well with an inexperienced attack to make the game go that far.

“It wasn’t an ideal start but on to Plymouth this week.”

Exeter’s batting was solid rather than spectacular with Dom Bess the only one of the top six not to make 20 or more.

The problem was no one made more than skipper Miles Lenygon, whose 37 was the best of the scores.

Openers Rob Holman (24) and Harvey Sargent (29) put on 43 with Ben Green (24) and Tom Lammonby chipping in to a running total of 122 for four.

Lenygon was eighth at 183, one of spinner Golding’s two victims.

Toby Codd had three for 26 and Chris Bradley two for 36 on a good day for spinners.

Golding went in when Bovey were 40 for two after openers Peter Bradley (22) and Josh Mailling (13) had been and gone.

A stand of 71 with Fairbairn (29) made a dent in the target, After Ashley Causey (17) and Golding added another 50, it was all over bar the shouting.

Bovey’s batters didn’t have to rush, which may have skewed the bowling figures a little.

Tom Pedel (1-39), Jon Tipper (1-32), Bess (0-20) and Lammonby (2-37) all had respectable figures.

Bovey Tracey are at home to bogey side Torquay this Saturday.

Bovey Tracey skipper Peter Bradley said it is important his side do not get carried away by winning their first game of the season.

Bradley said a ‘decent performance’ produced a ‘great win over a good team’, but there is plenty to improve on.

“We know Matt is a very good batsman, so it's important for other batsman to get that match-winning score,” said Bradley.

“We all got starts, but can't always rely on him.

“Having Andy Fairbairn back is a big plus, as he gives us some stability.

“We bowled well, but still gave them a few four balls. We fielded very well, With Will Christophers saving about 15 runs in the field.”

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