EXETER proved they can compete with the best in the Premier Division by defeating long-time leaders and defending champions Bradninch & Kentisbeare by three wickets.

Bradninch & Kentisbeare remain top, but with a reduced lead of just eight points over Paignton, and Exeter are still in mid-table.

There was a bitter-sweet element to the result for Exeter skipper Clint McCabe, who said: “It just makes our Plymouth (4 runs) and Exmouth (21 runs) shockers even more unbearable.”

Opener Dan Hardy top scored for Bradninch & Kentisbeare with 56 in a team total of 199 for nine.

Hardy was involved in stands that added exactly 100 before he was fourth out – the second of four scalps for Exeter spinner Sam Read (4-31).

Tim Piper (28) was next best with the bat for B&K. Twenty-nine extras topped-up the total.

Spin proved profitable for Exeter with further wickets for left-armer Clint McCabe (2-34) and off-spinner Seb Linnitt (2-9).

“We bowled well and were pleased to keep them under 200,” said McCabe.

“Muhammad Kaleem (0-21) and Read bowled beautifully and consistently.”

Somerset snapped-up Linnitt a while ago as batsman – and the match-winning century he took off Bradninch & Kentisbeare was a reminder why.

While wickets fell at one end on an irregular basis, Linnitt carried on batting at the other to reach 103 not out. Best of a modest set of stands were those of 50 with Robin Fern (18) and 45 with Matt Kimber (25).

“Seb Linnitt played the best knock I've ever seen for a young lad – it was amazing,” said McCabe.

“He batted with control, upped the scoring rate when needed, and took responsibility for getting us home.”

Josh Farley (2-42) was the lone BK bowler to take more than one wicket. Ross Acton, skipper Gary Chappell and Mitch Pugh all operated below four an over.

Chappell was generous in his praise for Exeter in general and Linnitt in particular.

“We played ok and got to a decent score on a tricky pitch with Exeter's bowlers making it hard work,” said Chappell.

“Credit must go to Seb Linnitt for a superb 100 in the chase to win the game for Exeter.”