PAIGNTON stay hard on the heels of Premier leaders Exmouth after handing out a seven-wicket beating to Plymouth.
Just eight points separate the top two as the halfway stage of the season looms.
Skipper Teddy Haffenden top scored on 65 for Plymouth before they were bowled out for 158 with an over to go. Paignton lost wickets at 17, 41 and 50 on the way to a comfortable victory.
Haffenden went in when Plymouth were 17 for three having just lost Jonty Rapulana for a second-ball ‘duck’ to Aya Gqamana (3-23), who had taken every wicket to fall at that point.
Haffenden was the ninth man out with the score on 156. He faced 112 balls and hit just five boundaries. His only worthwhile support came from Hemu Hirani (20) and Ollie Parsons (24) during stands of 47 and 53 respectively.
Rory Medlock finally spun-out Haffenden on his way to a four-for-40 haul.
Two wickets for Dan Goodey and a Hirani run-out accounted for Paignton openers Luke Medlock, Noah Wright and Gqamana.
Paignton captain Harry Ward (39no) and Ollie Woodcock (67no) were in no hurry to risk squandering batting bonus points during the hour and a half Plymouth tried and failed to break them up.
Skipper Ward said things went Paignton’s way from the moment he won the toss.
“We bowled and fielded brilliantly throughout,” said the captain. “Charlie (0-28) and Aya were excellent up front and really set the tone. Rory Medlock, Cole Harford (0-16) and Stephen George (0-22) all bowled very well, while Connor Ashworth (3-18) was outstanding.
“The chase was comfortable from the start. Luke set the tone early, and Ollie batted superbly to guide us home.”
Haffenden, the Plymouth captain, said losing the toss ‘wasn’t a great start’ but said there was more to the result than the toss of a coin.
“We just weren’t able to build enough solid partnerships, and never really gave ourselves the chance to accelerate by continually losing wickets,” said Haffenden.
“Aya and Harry Wardy made the most of a tricky surface and got them on top in the power play.
“When we got Aya out we felt we were in the game, but Harry and Ollie Woodcock played the situation really well.
“Not our best display but fair play to Paignton: they were the better side overall.”
