By CONRAD SUTCLIFFE

PAIGNTON stay second in the Premier Division table thanks to a 52-run win over visiting Exeter.

Richard Ashworth top scored with exactly 50 for Paignton in a respectable total of 244 for nine.

Ashworth put in 71 with third man in Archie Farkins (36) before he was caught behind off the bowling of Pete Hensor.

Sehan Weerasinghe (33), Connor Bryan (28) and Luke Medlock (20) all contributed from the middle order.

Exeter fared best in with the ball when their spinners operated. Leg-spinner Ed Middleton claimed four for 34 and Sam Read had two for 34.

Exeter had the worst possible start as opener Billy Buckingham was dismissed by the first ball after tea, which was bowled by Tom Blundell (3-26). The innings really got going during a stand of 76 for the fourth wicket between Devon duo Read (58) and Middleton (58).

Middleton soldiered on after Read fell to Weerasinghe (3-34), but no one stayed with him long enough to build a worthwhile partnership. Two run-outs did not help.

Middleton was the ninth man out for Exeter, were dismissed for 192 in the last over.

Paignton are two points behind leaders Heathcoat approaching the halfway stage of the season this Saturday with a trip to Plymouth.

George Benton, the Paignton captain, rated the win over Exeter very highly indeed.

“It was our best performance of the season so far,” said Benton. 

“I said before the game we needed to dominate and we did it from ball one. 

“We batted really well considering Exeter didn't give many freebies.

“With the ball Tom Blundell and Mark Orchard set the tone with some very tidy bowling. “Everyone contributed to the win and we hope to put together a run of form.”