EXMOUTH got just the start they wanted in the Tolchards Devon League Premier Division – a resounding six-wicket win over Heathcoat.

Heathcoat were skittled out for 127 with more than 14 of their 50 overs to go, no one making more than opener Reid Mawdsley (25).

Exmouth opener Sandy Allen led the home side’s reply with a solid 53. By the time he was dismissed by Christian Cabburn (3-28) the target was 25 to win. Game well and truly over.

It’s North Devon away for Exmouth this Saturday, a side wounded by a surprise defeat by new boys Hatherleigh in round one.

Richard Baggs, the Exmouth captain, said some more of the stickability that contributed to the win over Heathcoat will be needed at Instow.

“There were a few nerves among the new bowlers, but once they settled down and found a rhythm things were fine,” said Baggs.

“Pete Turnbull bowled really well – it is a shame we are losing him so soon – and Ben Twine impressed me after warming up.

“When we batted we had to show some character as it was tough out there, Sandy Allen’s innings was superb.”

The bad news for Exmouth is that Combined Services all-rounder Turnbull has had a short-notice posting to a ship in the Mediterranean.

“He won’t be back until late July, which is really unfortunate for us as he a class player,” said Baggs.

Heathcoat’s last five wickets fell for just 19 runs once Mawdsley, Toby Lochead (16) and Randerson (22) were removed.

Sam Harris had four for 32 and there were two wickets for Twine on his debut.

Allen and David Lye (11) got Exmouth away to 23-run start then Callum French (34) joined Allen in a partnership worth exactly 80.

Cabburn split them up nipped out Miles Lenygon as well before Exmouth administered the last rites in the 44th over.

It’s new boys Hatherleigh at home for Heathcoat this Saturday when captain Peter Randerson is looking to put the Exmouth game behind him.

“It was a tough day at the office and we have to move on to next week when it can only get better,” said Randerson.

“Exmouth played some good cricket and were deserved winners, but some big decisions did not go our way and that cost us hugely.”

Heathcoat gave a first-team debut to fast bowler Louis Stephenson, who has been recommended to them by former Somerset paceman Steffan Jones, now the head of cricket at Wellington School.

“He likes to bowl right arm as fast as he can,” said Randerson of his new signing, who bowled nine overs for 15 runs.