BOVEY Tracey skipper Toby Codd highlighted young all-rounder Ashley Causey as one to watch out for after his critical role in the four-wicket win over Exmouth.

Causey was in the thick of the action with bat and ball as Exmouth were held to 165 all out and beaten with time to spare after a break for rain.

Causey took four Exmouth wickets for 17 runs from eight overs bowled, then steered Bovey to a revised target of 139 to win with an unbeaten 29.

Bovey were labouring at 113 for six in reply, which for a side that had lost its first two games could not be construed as a winning position.

Codd, who was with Causey at the end, said: “Ashley was outstanding with bat bat and ball again.

“It is not the first time he has got us over the line in a tight game. His maturity is well beyond his years and is surely one of the better up-and-coming all-rounders in the county.”

Codd admitted it was ‘a relief to get over the line’ after defeats by Sidmouth and North Devon, who had bowled them out for 54 in the previous game.

Although Bovey Tracey came out on top, Codd said there is plenty to do to keep winning.

“We bowled and fielded well but, maybe gave them 30 runs too many,” said Codd.

“Batting wise we applied ourselves and did what we needed to do.”

Exmouth’s innings was a curious affair featuring three principal scorers and virtually nothing from the rest of the batters.

Opener Alex Hammond made 31, former South Devon favourite Chris Metters faced 100 balls for 45 and George Greenway chipped in 39 batting at number nine.

Causey may have earned the captain’s praise, but Hugo Whitlock (2-37) and Ryan Bougourd (2-33) also kept it tight.

Zimbabwean international Brian Chari made 25 on his belated debut for Bovey. He was the third and last wicket taken by Exmouth’s Pete Turnbull (3-23).

Peter Bradley (21) and Causey kept the board moving in the right direction.

After Ashley Treeby and Sam Taylor went cheaply, Codd (12no) joined Causey to knock off the last 26 needed.

Losing captain Andy Buzza wondered whether the break for rain and Bovey’s reduced target had a significant impact on the outcome.

“The rain stopped what should have been a good end to a testing game of cricket,” said Buzza.

"Throughout their chase we were in the game. No one looked settled at the crease as the pitch didn't allow for free flowing cricket. 

"Ben Twine (2-16) and Turnbull didn't give an inch. They beat the bat on multiple occasions and how they didn't take more wickets is still bewildering.

“It was a typical Bovey wicket, two-paced and hard to score. They bowled to their strengths and took wickets at key times during the game.”