Exmouth batters carry too much firepower for Hatherleigh | 'Blitzes from Cam Kidd Louis Morison and Ed Butler, who deserved to get to three figures, got us off to a flier' – James Horler

EXMOUTH’S grip on top spot in the Tolchards DCL Premier Division remains vice-like following a 134-run win over lowly Hatherleigh.

Win number five extended Exmouth lead at the summit to 10 points as chaser Paignton dropped a couple in their win at Tavistock. One way or another that will change this Saturday as Exmouth are away to Paignton.

Exmouth, who were 200 for two after 21 overs, could not maintain the pace they had been setting and were bowled out six overs early for 307. That didn’t really matter as Hatherleigh were dismissed for 173 in reply.

Openers Louis Morison (57) and Ed Butler (95) gave Exmouth a ‘Le Mans-style’ start worth 82. A double strike by Ruben Forrester (2-65) – Morison then Devon captain James Horler – slowed things briefly before Butler and Cam Kidd (62) raised the tempo again.

The comeback was far more restrained after Presswell struck twice in an over to dispatch Kidd and Dan Pyle.

Fin Marks (22) and Pete Turnbull (31) were positively pedestrian compared to Morison (26 balls), Butler (77) and Kidd (41) as Exmouth jogged along. Paul Heard (3-41) helped keep the runs down.

James Horler, the Exmouth captain, said his team’s total was not a shock.

“It was a fresh hybrid pitch so we knew par was likely to be 280-plus,” said Horler.

“Blitzes from Cam Kidd Louis Morison and Ed Butler, who deserved to get to three figures, got us off to a flier.

“If there was any criticism it is we should’ve got more, and left six overs still out there.”

Kidd, a recent addition to Devon’s white-ball squad, claimed three wickets and a run-out as Hatherleigh stuttered to 51 for five in reply. Jasper Presswell (32) and twin Charlie (29) applied themselves to stave off total collapse.

Elijah Pine (2-31) ended Jasper Presswell’s resistance, and Butler (2-14) sorted out Charlie, ending a stand of 55 for the ninth wicket with Mark Lake (18no).

Last man Forrester only survived seven balls before Butler got him with the eighth to finish it.

“Some early wickets from Cam Kidd and a few good pieces of fielding broke the back of the chase early on,” said Horler.

Opposite number Rob Cockwill came away from his side’s defeat surprisingly happy for a man whose team is hovering just above the relegation places.

“We had a clear objective going into the game,” said Cockwill. “Realistically, we knew a win was going to be a challenge, so we just tried to get as many points as possible.

“We did incredibly well to restrict them to just over 300. At one point I thought we would be chasing 400 plus!

“A lot of credit must go the Exmouth batters, the power and shot execution was pretty impressive to watch. 

“All Our bowlers deserve a huge amount of praise as they stuck to our plans in testing conditions, Bowling Exmouth out in under 50 overs was a great effort.

“Charlie Presswell and Paul Heard stand-out bowlers. 

“We were pretty happy to come away with the number of points (eight) we achieved.

“A decent tea with a good selection of sandwiches and a beautiful pot of tea. 

“All in all it was a pleasant day out by the seaside.”