Bob Dawson - key innings for Exmouth

PLYMOUTH’s hopes of kicking-on from their win over Bovey Tracey came to nothing as they dipped to a 28-run defeat against leaders Exmouth.

Exmouth made 176 all out in the 49thof their 50 overs – Bob Dawson and Ben Twine both making half-centuries.

The restart was delayed after tea by bad weather – and when the covers came off messers Duckworth-Lewis said Plymouth needed 154 to win and had 37 overs to get the runs.

No Plymouth batter made more than 18 as the city side were all out for 125.

The only crumb of comfort for skipper Jon Varcoe was three of the four teams below his lost as well. The odd ones out were Bovey Tracey, who won at Sandford to move off the bottom.

Sandy Allen (18), Richard Baggs (20) and Miles Lenygon (20) got Exmouth up to 75 for two, then a wobble set in as Matt Petherbridge (3-39) reduced them on his own to 89 for six.

Dawson and Twine put on 68 for the seventh wicket, but once they they were separated by Faizan Riaz the rot set in.

Riaz (4-19) did all the damage as Exmouth lost their last four wickets for 19 runs scored.

Plymouth didn’t build big enough partnerships to have a collapse! Openers Varcoe (8) and James Burke put on 33, which no other pairing matched.

There were plenty of chip-ins – Dan Robotham (17), Sam Stein (14), Dan Moore (13) but nothing substantive to hang a chase on.

Twine, who has played for Sussex II and MCC Young Cricketers, capped a man-of-the-match performance with three wickets and there were three more for Andrew Buzza as Plymouth faded away

It may look like a routine win, but Exmouth skipper Baggs said it was anything but.

“Our fight was magnificent - we would have lost that game last year,” said Baggs.

“The stand of 68 between Bob and Ben was massive and gave us a score and then we bowled and fielded with great focus. 

Sam Harris had two huge wickets, but credit to all bowlers.”

Losing skipper Varcoe said the team isn’t getting enough of the required elements right in the same game.

“We bowled really well and created lots of chances, but out bating let us down again,” said Varcoe.

“We need better application from the top order when chasing down totals.”

More Premier reports