SAM Harris and George Greenway demolished Torquay’s top order to put Exmouth on course for a six-wicket win on the Maer.
Harris ripped out openers Dan Wightman and Josh Hunt in the first four overs on his way to a three-for-10 haul.
Greenway got into the middle order, taking four of the next five wickets to fall as Torquay plummeted from 11 for two to 42 for seven.
Tom Drake stuck around almost an hour for his 17, but the damage had already been done by Harris and Greenway (4-30).
Dan Pyle (2-7) and David Lye applied the last rites to remove the tail enders in Torquay’s all-out total of 65.
Exmouth found Torquay fired up when they batted and at 10 for three at the end of the 10th over were under some pressure.
Callum French (29) and Bob Dawson (16no) saw Exmouth over their initial difficulties with a stand of 55.
French was out with the scores level – bowled by Matt Petherbridge – leaving Dawson and Finlay Marks to make the one run needed. It came from a wide.
Victory keeps Exmouth on the tails of Bovey Tracey at the top of the table.
Skipper Richard Baggs said although it looked easy, the reality was a little different.
“They played some poor shots, but we bowled pretty well and they couldn’t get away with it,” said Baggs.
“Torquay were a bit flat batting, but not when they bowled.
“They tried really hard for the first 15 overs and made it really difficult for us.”
Baggs’ point wasn’t lost on opposite number Justin Yau, who said: “It was a big toss to lose and a very difficult wicket to bat on.
“Had we edged to 100, we may have won.
“When we reduced Exmouth to 10 for three we had a chance and we continued to bowl really well.
“It took Exmouth 39 overs to get 65, which was a big plus.
“Bob Dawson scored 14 off 80-odd balls and was a match winner with Callum French.
“It is a very unforgiving division and no games are easy.”
Yau said the mainb bullet point to take away was: “We must do better as batters and adapt better.
“With availability improving for Heathcoat this week, we are looking to build some momentum at home
“We have a tough few fixtures coming up and need to pick ourselves up quickly.”
Yau’s bright point was Tom Drake’s continued adjustment to Premier cricket since arriving from Barton.
“Tom is looking like a real class act and a very good acquisition,” said Yau.
“He batted, bowled and fielded very well and looks a very good Premier player.”
