EXETER batsmen Ben Green and Rob Holman smashed a Premier Division batting record in the city side’s whopping 226-run win over Exmouth.

Victory took Exeter back to the top of the table as former leaders Sidmouth lost by 50 runs at Bradninch.

Green and skipper Alex Barrow put on 66 for the first wicket by way of a taster of what was to come!

Rob Holman and Green then added 287 unbroken for the second wicket as Exeter raced along to 353 for one.

The previous best for the second wicket in the Premier Division was the 230 compiled by Faizan Riaz and Jamie Walsh for Plymouth against Exeter last season.

Somerset staffman Green finished on 172 not out. He went from 0-50 in 55 balls, 50-100 in 107 and 100 to 150 in just 23 more. He had 20 fours and four sixes in the book.

“Ben has always had the ability to make big scores and we have seen glimpses in the past of what he can do,” said Barrow.

“This season he as matured as a cricketer and is doing it consistently with the bat.”

Bob Dawson, the Exmouth captain, felt his side got off lightly against Green.

“For the first 10 overs it was hard work for Exeter and had nicks gone to hand we could have had both openers out for 20,” said Dawson.

“After that, once the new ball had gone, Ben and Rob batted superbly.

“Ben knew where the gaps were and was hitting good balls for four.

“He started to really go for it around seven or eight overs to go. Had he started a bit earlier he would have scored a double ton and they would have had high 400s.”

Holman, who has already scored two league tons this season – both not out – was stuck on 92 when time ran out.

“Rob is enjoying a new lease of life this season,” said Barrow. “In this innings and the back-to-back 150s he made he hit the ball brilliantly.”

Exmouth were all out in reply for 127, no one making more than Dan Pyle, who had 27.

Holman’s off-spinners claimed five Exmouth wickets for 38 runs, among them Pyle’s.

“Rob has gone from an underrated bowler to the go-to off-spin option for us this season,” said Barrow.

Exeter top the table on 224 points with Heathcoat (220) second and Sidmouth (217) in third. Plymouth (202) are a relatively distant fourth.

There may only be four game to go, but Barrow isn’t thinking as far ahead as a title win.

“The lead has changed hands regularly between us, Sidmouth and Heathcoat all season,” said Barrow.

“It is a real contest, unlike last season when Bovey raced ahead early and were never going to be caught.

“We lay Sidmouth this Saturday and still have Heathcoat to come. We can’t do any more than take them one game at a time.”

More premier reports soon