Setback for Exmouth at Plymouth as Sidmouth suffer similar fate

EXMOUTH Premier Division title prospects suffered a setback in the shape of a 39-run defeat at Plymouth.

- by CONRAD SUTCLIFFE

Plymouth Sam Stein was looking for a reaction from the dressing room in response to a 120-run drubbing by Paignton.

Exmouth made it hard work at times for Plymouth, but overseas player Mekyle Pillay was the difference between the two teams.

The South African all-rounder not only scored 47 when Plymouth batted, he practically bowled-out Exmouth with a six-wicket haul.

Exmouth remain in third place, but the gap between them and second-placed Paignton has widened to 11 points. Leaders Bradninch & Kentisbeare are a further eight points ahead.

Plymouth batted first in a game reduced to 45 overs each due to wet weather and made 211 for eight.

Opener Surya Suresh laid the foundations with a limpet-like 28 off 55 balls, then Haffenden (52) and Pillay put on 76 for the fourth wicket as the total grew.

No other Plymouth batter made more than 16 although late bits and pieces from Matt Whalley and Hall Kerton proved vital in the context of a close game.

Exmouth wobbled early on - Pillay had them a nervy 12 for two - but Cam Kid (23) and Dan Pyle repaired the damage, aided and abetted by Ed Butler (20). Pyle’s demise at 152 for six - Kerton got him out - was the turning point in Plymouth’s favour.