PLYMOUTH sent out a signal to the rest of the Premier Division that they mean business with a six-run win over defending champions Torquay.

Plymouth put in a solid batting display to reach 203 for eight in their 50 overs – opener James Toms top scoring on 37 against one of his former club.

Torquay appeared to have all to do at 85 for five in reply, but with opener Reid Mawdsley still there they reached the final over needing 10 to win with two wickets in hand.

Mawdsley, signed from Chard during the winter, hit the first ball from Dan Goodey for four to reach a century, was bowled next ball and last man Matt Pethebridge was dismissed first ball by the same bowler.

It was Torquay’s first defeat in 13 games and cost them top spot in the table.

Exeter are the new leaders after beating North Devon with Torquay 10 points behind in second place. Plymouth are third, just 12 points behind the leaders.

Sam Stein, the Plymouth captain, said it was a win to savour on more than one level.

“It was a great game played in a good spirit by both sides,” said Stein.

“Torquay showed they are still a good side, even with the loss of a few players from last season.

“Reid Mawdsley batted very calmly for a young lad for his century.

“It was very much a team effort on our part with everyone chipping in.

“James Walsh did a great job behind the stumps and hit a very welcome 28 in the circumstances.

Hal Kerton, Dan Goodey and Joe Hagan Burt again showed that they can put in match-winning performances at a young age – great to see.

“Henry Bennett again showed why he is so effective with bat and ball.

“We are in a good place as a side and we are now looking forward to this weekend and Bovey Tracey.”

After Toms and Hamish Gardiner (20) got Plymouth to 67 for two when a double strike from Petherbidge (2-20) accounted for both openers, the city side got bogged down.

Anthony Atkinson, Joe Hagan-Burt and Henry Bennett all got in, got into double figures and got out with Nick Watkin (2-24) doing most of the damage in a running total of 115 for five.

Plymouth’s revival started with Hal Kerton (32) and Joe Walsh (30) putting on 47 for the sixth wicket.

Sach Galhenage (3-50) broke the stand, but bits and pieces from Goodey and Jake Luffman got Plymouth past 200.

Torquay’s problem was finding someone to stay with Mawdsley and help him accumulate runs.

At 85 for five with Goodey (3-42) and Bennett (2-24), Plymouth held the upper hand.

Joe Thompson (20) put on 59 with Mawdsley for the sixth wicket and Watkin (18) helped add another 42.

Kerton ran out Watkin, Jack Richardson went almost immediately and Torquay lost their last four wickets in 17 balls for seven runs on their way to defeat.

Justin Yau, the Torquay captain, said it wasn’t a crime to lose narrowly against a good side, adding the positives clearly outweighed any negatives.

“It was an excellent game of cricket that could have gone either way,” said Yau.

“Reid Mawdsley's innings was pure class and surely he must have a shout for Devon's three-day team given the form he is in.

“Reid is exactly what they need, someone who bats time and will give everything. He has a cracking attitude and continues to go strength to strength.

“He has been one of the top run scorers in the West of England Premier League for the last two seasons and I knew he would score heavily here.”

Yau said Mawdsley didn’t have enough of the right support long enough for Torquay to win the game.

“We bowled and fielded exceptionally well, but poor shot selection with the bat cost us during our innings,” said Yau.

“It was frustrating as we looked like we had it won at times, but fair play to Plymouth, who kept coming back at us to see it home.

“It was exactly the sort of game we expected- we need to regroup, come back stronger and go again next week at North Devon.”