By CONRAD SUTCLIFFE
MORGAN Harford bagged four wickets and there was a hat-trick for Siddesh Veer as Barton defeated Exeter by 22 runs in low-scoring affair on the County Ground.
Adrian Lipton compiled a top score of 58 not out off 82 balls for Barton in a total of 169 for eight in a 40-over game.
Veer (18) and Steve Lewis (30) had already been and gone in a running total of 54 for four when Lipton strode out to join skipper Adam Parker in the middle.
The stand between Parker (39) and Lipton produced 91 runs before Archie Spittles (3-21) bowled Parker to split them up.
Pete Hensor had two Barton wickets for 30 runs in his eight overs and Devon spinner Sam Read was one for 18 from a similar spell.
Exeter were in similar straits to Barton at 49 for five in reply having run into trouble against the spin of Veer (3-27) and Stuart Bowker. Hat-tricks generally change matches and Veer's three in a row – Ben Abrahams, Sam Reed and dangerman Jehan Daniel – certainly did that.
Opener Harry Fisher (29) was still there and when Harford got him out Felix Joseph started to play some shots.
Harford (4-42) and Justin Saker (2-26) steadily robbed Joseph of batting partners and left him stranded on 64 not out when last man Hensor was removed on 147.
Defeat cost Exeter third place in the table and dropped them down to fifth.
Barton (104pts) remain one place clear of the relegation places and dropped batting points allowed Kilmington (103) to move within touching distance of them.
Parker described it as Barton’s ‘best win of the year so far’ and praised the team for their fighting spirit.
“Stuck in on a wet track we fought really hard for every run,” said Parker,
“Bowling-wise we bowled tightly and restricted and created pressure.
“We go into a really important three or four games now where we play teams around us so glad to have some momentum going into it.”
However, Barton will be without their hat-trick hero Veer, who is heading back to India.
“Siddesh has gone home for three or four weeks to take part in an India under-23s’ camp,” said Parker.
“We wish him all the best and look forward to his return for the last five games of the season.”
