A DIVISION

Kilmington entered the A Division knowing that they could face a heavy defeat or two during the season. That came to pass at home to Exmouth 1st XI on Saturday, writes Martin Huscroft.

Exmouth won the toss and chose to bat. Devon opener James Horler (146) and Border and South Africa under 19 player, Jason Niemand (159) put on 313 for the first wicket. This was a league record and the highest partnership in a game involving Kilmington. The home side could easily have fallen apart, but to give full credit they stuck to their task, despite the loss of opening bowler Ollie Reed, and restricted Exmouth to 404-4 in their 50 overs, although this was the highest ever A Division score and the highest ever score against Kilmington. Wicket takers were Joel Seward with a brace and singles for Josh Short and Harry Johnstone.

Kilmington openers Josh Cann (39) and Tom Gooding (25) set off like a train, putting on 74 in 8 overs but a regular fall of wickets led to 143-9 and a meagre prospective points haul. Captain Brett Garner (51) and hobbling Ollie Reed (9*) added 60 precious runs for the last wicket to add two extra batting points.

Sometimes you just have to appreciate excellency and applaud your opponent, and that was the case, but Kilmington should be proud of their tenacity.

Exmouth 404-4 (50 overs) Jason Niemand 159, James Horler 146, Luke Davies 39*, Joel Seward 2-72

Kilmington 203 all out (37.1 overs) Brett Garner 51, Josh Cann 39, Tom Gooding 25, Lawrence Greenaway 3-22, Jason Niemand 2-27

Kilmington 6 points; Exmouth 20 points

Seaton all out for 58

Last season Seaton just managed to avoid relegation from the A Division and it looks like they are facing another difficult season after suffering their third defeat on the trot at Torquay where they were put into bat and were bowled out for just 58 runs.

Torquay won the toss and skittles through the Seaton on just 15 overs. The only two batsmen to get runs on the board were opener Matthew hewer (18) and No 7 Jospeh Berry (15). Six of their players were out for ducks.

The home team knocked off the required runs without losing a wicket.

The defeat leaves Seaton at the bottom of the A Division table with just 13 points from three games.

Torquay 20 points; Seaton 1 point.