Exmouth have Premier Division and ECB national cup double in sight as season builds to thrilling crescendo | 'The boys are very excited to go and see what we can do against some of the best teams in the country' – Exmouth skipper Fin Marks

EXMOUTH will be going for glory twice in little more than 24 hours this weekend with silverware on the horizon in league and cup.

Saturday’s second-against-first home game against Premier Division leaders Bradninch & Kentisbeare is, for all practical purposes, the title decider.

Exmouth have strung together six wins on the trot chasing long-time leaders and defending champions Bradninch & Kentisbeare in a two-horse race for the title.

Two defeats in the last three starts – one of which was at the hands of bottom side North Devon – have cut B&K’s lead at the top over Exmouth from 31 to just five points,

Exmouth head up to Hampshire first thing on Sunday morning for the Area Final of the ECB Twenty20 Cup. It is their reward for winning the Devon Cup then the South West Regional Play-Off day at Bridgwater.

Waiting for Exmouth at Basingstoke CC are Ashmanhaugh & Barton Wanderers (Norfolk). Win that match and Exmouth will face either Three Bridges CC (Sussex) or Wanstead & Snaresbrook (Essex) in the Southern Area final later the same day.

Four area final winners go through to the national finals day at Wormsley in mid-September. 

Fin Marks, the Exmouth captain, said the mood in the dressing room is one of anticipation for the ‘exciting, big weekend ahead’.

Starting with Saturday’s league game, Marks said: “All the pressure is on Bradninch because of how far ahead they were a few weeks ago.

“I think this will be the first time in a fair few years we will be playing Bradninch with some decent availability. Looking forward to seeing some old friendly faces on Saturday.”

Turning to the ECB tournament on Sunday, Marks said: “You don't get to play in big days like that very often.

“The boys are very excited to go and see what we can do against some of the best teams in the country.”

Exmouth stayed in trim for the double challenge ahead with a thumping 105-run win over Exeter on the County Ground.

A consistent batting effort, led by Dan Pyle with 52, took Exmouth to 238 all out. Louis Morison, James Horler, Lachlan Fisher, George Greenway and Billy Reed all got into the 20s.

Seb Linnitt (3-36) out spun Sam Read (2-35) in Exeter’s bowling department.

Exeter got to 82 for two without too many dramas – Oliver Gribble (40) leading the way – them collapsed in a heap to 88 for seven. Game over.

Spinners Ben Higton (5-31) and Lawrence Greenway (3-25) did most of the damage, aided and abetted by Fisher (2-26).

Charlie Clist, the Exeter captain, said batting second was a definite handicap.

“We bowled well and fielded well, but it didn't help losing the toss as the pitch deteriorated throughout the day,” said Clist. “We were unable to get any momentum with the bat in the second innings.”