MARTIN Smith took a hat-trick to help speed Braunton towards a five-wicket win over visiting South Devon.

South Devon captain Jon Martin took a depleted side to Kesley, which stuttered to 114 all out.

Braunton took 34 overs to dismiss South Devon and needed just 25.2 to knock off the runs.

South Devon started dismally – openers Mark Andrews and Ryan Maunder managed two between them – but Dave Knowles, Divan Marais and Wright all made good progress.

Knowles (38) and Marais (33) put on 51 the Wright (27) joined Marias to notch another 47.

Wright and Knowles fell to Alfie Huxtable (3-6) and Mark Mitchell (1-14) on 100 and 107.

Martin was left stranded at one end while wickets fell at the other, Martin Smith performing the hat-trick when he bowled Dave Amery, snared Emily Martin lbw and bowled Aaron Hammett to wrap things up.

Braunton got to 46 without loss through Huxtable (24) and Rob Collier (13), had a little wobble as Jon Martin (3-39) got among the wickets then cruised to victory with Callum Mitchell (30) and Mark Mitchell (23) the main scorers.

Emily Martin, a Devon U15 player last season, had two for 14 near the end of the innings.

Braunton play divisional new boys Ottery St Mary at their Strawberry Lane ground this Saturday.

South Devon skipper Martin said selection was hard hit by travel issues, which left him with too many gaps to fill.

“Although we did get ourselves into good positions in the game, there was not much depth batting or bowling because so many players could not travel,” said Martin.

“Even so we can't go the season being four out, all out.

“At home in round two things should change for the better.”