By OLLIE SMITH

DEVON Medics & Cranbrook suffered defeat in the league for only the second time this season thanks to a 109-run last wicket partnership from opponents, Exeter 3rd XI.

The Medics, who won the toss and chose to bat first, were given strong foundations in the form of a 43-run opening partnership between Ashin Raja (65) and Zaigham Abbas (17).

Raja kept going, although his partners struggled to stick around, the next four batters to fall were all out for single-figure scores. Adam Fradgley (4-47) and Sean Baker (3-34) took two each in the middle order.

Aditya Bhargude (32no) was the only other Medics batter to reach double figures; Exeter’s generosity in giving their opponents 40 extra runs helped the Medics to 194 before all batters were dismissed.

Exeter had a similarly strong opening partnership. They reached 48 before losing their first wicket: Adam Fradgley for 28.

Sixty-one for one very quickly became 66 for five in the space of ten balls, with the Medics managing to wipe out the Exeter middle order. Sanjay Panghal (6-43) and Joshua Thomas (3-40) were the players to do the damage.

Exeter were in trouble at 89 for nine, and staring down the barrel of a tenth defeat of the season when Gareth Hayward and Marcus Neary came together.

With time on their side, the pair were afforded the opportunity to see themselves in, before Neary began chipping away at the target.

At the end of the 22nd over, Exeter were 89 for nine, with just two balls left in the game, the wickets column was the same, however 109 runs had been scored and Exeter had secured victory.

Captain, Gareth Hayward was playing a reserved innings, he faced 60 balls for his 19 runs. Neary, however, scored 75 from 54 balls, hitting ten four and two sixes in his knock.

Hayward didn’t believe the chase was possible, thinking his side had gifted the Medics too many runs.

“I thought 194 was a few too many, but both Adam and Sean found the best length to bowl and performed well,” said Hayward.

“We knew how well they (Medics) have been bowling and defending their totals, but I was still shocked to be walking out at 89 for nine.

“Marcus batted incredibly well, picking off the loose balls as they came, and keeping his head right to the end.

“I was fortunate to be involved in the partnership, but did little other than keep out the good balls and rotate the strike so Marcus could see us home.”