DEFENDING Devon champions Axminster defeated visiting Topsham St James by 74 runs in an entertaining first game of the season that saw more than 300 runs scored.

Having won the toss, Topsham took to the field first and an the early wicket of Emma Seward, with a catch by Clare Pym in the covers, off Maddie Ross' bowling, gave Topsham hope.

A strong partnership between Emily Baker (36) and Maddie Hollifield (53) put Axminster in a good position and with the loss of only four wickets, they ended their innings on 195. 

Topsham went into bat and made a postive start. Hannah Clark made 12 before she was run out by Ellen Day.

Axminster 's bowling attack was too strong for Topsham. Emily Baker (3-18 off 4.3) and an impressive three for six off three from Emma Seaward were too much for Topsham. No one was able to build a partnership around the innings of Ross, who was agonisinly close to her first half-century with 49. Topsham ended on 121 all out.

Both teams now look ahead to the season. Axminstre to their next fixture and Topsham to their upcoming fixture against Taunton Deane in the Vitality T20 Knockout.