Fin Marks on the way to a half-century for Exmouth against Exeter<br>credit: Gerry Hunt

EXETER skipper Robin Fern has claimed it was more than just the contributions of Ben Green and Tom Lammonby that defeated Exmouth by 37 runs in the Premier Division derby.

Green was not released by Somerset for the previous game against Hatherleigh, which ended in defeat, and Exeter had not seen Lammonby all season.

Exeter posted 298 for five in 50 overs – Lammonby top scoring with 97 not out off just 67 balls.

Green then steamed in to take three wickets for 12 runs in a lively four-over spell that reduced Exmouth to 27 for three. Exmouth recovered to reach 261all out thanks to half centuries from Pete Turnbull and Finlay Marks.

Said Fern: “It was great to see Ben Green and Tom Lammonby playing once again on their home ground and that level of experience really helped our cause.

“That being said there were a number of others who played important rolls. 

“Ben Abraham appeared to enjoy opening the batting with Ben Green; Ed Middleton and Billy Buckingham produced some valuable runs in the middle order and James Boyle bowled a few tight spells.

“Our total of 298 seemed an untouchable score, but Exmouth batted with conviction and did not go down without a fight. 

“Our bowling attack was also strong, Jack Pierce sharing the new ball with Greener before Lammers and James Boyle took over.

“It was always a battle to dry up Exmouth's runs, they found gaps and hit with confidence through the line which often paid off.

“We found ourselves trying to squeeze the last few of Exmouth's wickets in the dying overs of the game but by then the rate had crept up and their batting had been exhausted.”

Tim Piper, the Exmouth skipper, said: “We played some very good cricket most of the day and our performance would have been good enough to beat most teams.

“We had Tom out ‘caught’ early on in his innings, but a touch-and-go no-ball call for height went Exeter’s way

“Up against very good opposition it took two professionals to score 150 runs and take five wickets to beat us.”

“We have a young side that is learning quickly. We are close to putting everything together now and looking forward to Bovey Tracey this Saturday.”

Ben Green bowling for Exeter against Exmouth