Pyle and Morison speed Exmouth to victory over Hatherleigh | 'They looked in great nick with the bat and made it look very easy' – Tim Piper

Andy Buzza – never bowled better according to skipper Tim Piper

By CONRAD SUTCLIFFE

EXMOUTH got back on track after their derby defeat by Sidmouth with a six-wicket win over visiting Hatherleigh.

Hatherleigh’s batting barely got out of first gear as the team struggled to 126 all out in the 48th of their 50 overs.

Skipper Mark Lake, who went in at 58 for five after Andy Buzza (4-17) had battered the top order, faced 79 balls on the way to a top score of 23 that staved off total collapse. Next best was tail-ender Charlie Nielson with 19.

There were two wicks each for Exmouth bowlers Billy Rudolph and Lawrence Greenway.

Exmouth did not make the best of starts as Kai Higham and skipper Tim Piper were both in an out by the time seven runs went on the board.

James Horler (23) and Dan Pyle (52) made a 70-run dent in the deficit, which left Louis Morison (37no) and Fin Marks (12no) to conclude proceedings.

Exmouth go into the second half of the season halfway up the Premier table. Skipper Piper said: “Overall it was a solid performance and a great way to finish the first half.

“All the bowlers bowled well, especially Buzz. I haven't seen him bowl better. 

“Dan Pyle and Louis Morison looked in great nick with the bat and made it look very easy.”

Hatherleigh captain Lake said his side played badly, but there were mitigating factors.

“The pitch looked an absolute belter, but it was not the case at all,” said Lake.

“We didn't give a good account with the bat at all.

“All credit to Exmouth: they out played us in every department and deserved the win.”