Contemporary match report by Jack Rodgers

NOBODY played a greater role in the final than Exmouth captain Graham Smith.

Ironically, it was the only game he played in the competition as he was passed over in the early rounds because in the limited overs available his spinners might have met with some stick.

His selection for the final was met with a certain amount of criticism, which  in the light of subsequent events proved needless.

Exmouth batted first and, in a none too convincing display, managed to total 138, which was by no means unattainable as more overs are allowed in the final.

North Devon proceeded cautiously to 40 and lost three wickets in the process before Smith took his gamble and went on himself. The result was that the opposition were massacred, being finished off in three overs with Smith completely unplayable and having the astounding final figures of six wickets for four runs,

Exmouth 138-9 (A Parsons 31, J Tozer 23, R Hope 21), North Devon 47 (G Smith 6-4, J Bradford 2-18). Exmouth bt North Devon by 91 runs.

Men of the match: Alan Parsons & Graham Smith

In the morning semi-final Exmouth (66-1) defeated Plymstock (65) by nine wickets.

Footnote: John Tozer, who made 23 in the final and 17 in the morning semi-final, totted up 206 runs in the Devon Cup that season at an average of 50-plus.

Original game on August 25 at Paignton  but abandoned in first innings at 4.29pm because of rain (after earlier stoppage between 3.43 and 3.50pm) with North Devon 84-3 after 28 overs.