ABBOTSKSERSWELL skipper Nick Watkin was always quietly confident his side would come out on top in a rain-affected game at Seaton after they posted 318 for seven.

With rain about and the Duckworth-Lewis System in use, targets can become meaningless in a hurry.

Seaton only made 174 for two in reply, but that was just 27 runs short of a score that would have given them their first win of the season.

It looks close, but Watkin said that was far from the truth.

“We were always aware of the target they needed it never felt like they were going to get it,” said Watkin.

Abbots’ opener Ed Smout-Cooper, who took a ton off Thorverton seven days earlier, was in and out for one at Seaton, not that it mattered once Charlie Hill got going.

Hill cruised to 104 off 103 balls with 16 fours and a six while he was in the middle Abbots got to 200 for three. Watkin (42) and Sam Carpenter (30) were the supporting acts.

Chris Sleep, re-invigorated after a knock in the 2nd XI to regain some form, then flogged 73 off 39 balls as Abbots accelerated in the final 14 overs. Nathan Walker (29no) was the other end during a stand of 73.

Seaton seamer Ben Morgan kept the runs down (0-34) in his set of 10. Tim Doulton had three wickets and Damian Baxter two.

Seaton’s final target was 201 to win in 34 overs. When time was up they had got as far as 174 for two thanks largely to half-centuries from Matt Hewer and Adam Bilston.

Six bowlers had a trundle for Abbots and all but one kept the scoring around five an over or less.

Said Watkin: “Bowling-wise, we did what was required to win the game in very difficult conditions.

“It was a good win and great to win two on the bounce.”

Joe Berry, the Seaton captain, said his side did not bowl or field well. He added: “Then the rain ruined any chance we had of getting near the total.”