Exmouth captain James Horler, who got the run chase going with a half-century<br>credit: D T Sports Photography

EXMOUTH are starting to creep clear at the top of the Tolchards DCL Premier Division table after defeating old rivals Exeter by five wickets on the Maer.

Second-placed Exeter were only four points behind Exmouth going into the game, but are now 18 points away in fourth. Paignton, conquerors of Plymouth, are the new tenants in second place, but eight points behind.

Opener Oli Gribble top scored for Exeter with 51 in their 50-over tally of 235 for nine. Aling the way he put on 82 for the third wicket with Sam Read, who was out for 48.

Cameron FraserExeter had to regroup after losing Gribble to Lawrence Greenway (2-46).Cameron Fraser (30), Calum Gundry (18), Josh Nott (19) and Owais Ahmad (25no) obliged, despite interruptions from Fin Marks (3-38).

Exmouth’s run chase was an example of consistency and focus with barely an alarm heard. Opener Louis Morison made 21 before Sam Read lured him out and Ed Butler made 27 at the other end.

Skipper James Horler (53) and Cam Kidd (41) put together a third-wicket stand of 84 as Exmouth eased towards their target.

Exeter’s prospects were not helped when they went down to 10 men after captain Jon Lewis-Oliver had to go off with an injury.

Losing Kidd, Horler and Jack Dart could have been a problem, but it wasn’t Pete Turnbull (19no) joined Marks (34) for an unbroken stand of 59 that won it with seven balls to spare.

Horler had plenty to say after the game, starting with an old-fashioned courtesy.

“It was an all-round good game of cricket and pleased to get across the line against a strong side,” said Horler.

“We bowled well to keep Exeter to 235, helped by our extras count being considerably less than usual. Lawrence Greenway bowled a nice spell to remove some of the dangerous top four.

“The strength of the Exeter bowling attack meant it was always going to be a tough chase, but we knew if we batted the overs we would get across the line.”

Lewis-Oliver said: “Exmouth were slightly better than us in all departments and deserved to win a close game.”

Whether Horler can deliver Exmouth’s first Premier title since the last in 2013 under Richard Baggs remains to be seen. He is being cautious on that front.

“Just looking to keep the momentum going in the first half and get as many points under our belt as we can,” said Horler.