The frustration of summer rain hit Budleigh with a double whammy in the Tolchards Devon Cricket League over the weekend.

In the A Division, the first-team made a short trip to Exeter and were forced to toil hard with the ball, as Exeter made 50 for the first wicket and then took their score to 115 for the second.

Eventually, the persistence of Edward Doble removed the home openers, Tom Oxland and Lloyd Murrin taking the catches. Oxland also claimed a wicket of his own but Budleigh had little answer to the belligerent batting of Jehan Daniel, who smashed his way to a fine 111 from 70 balls. Murrin finally ended his innings, with Henry Collison taking the catch.

Exeter closed on a powerful 284/7 before the conditions began to deteriorate and the target was reduced to 234 from 36 overs.

Undeterred, Budleigh were getting into their stride in the chase, Dylan Penberthy-Hutchings scoring a brisk 30 runs, when the umpires were forced to abandon the match. Budleigh will be hoping for better luck and better weather when they travel to Plympton on Saturday.

Budleigh 2nds did manage to get their game completed in D Division East but, in this case, the rain robbed them of the time to bowl out visitors Barnstaple & Pilton.

With the bat, Budleigh struggled a little in the early stages. Neil Murrin (21) and Daniel Messom (21) offered some resistance but the aptly-named Clive Ball was causing serious damage, removing the Budleigh top three.

At 77/5, Budleigh were in severe trouble but they recovered with a stubborn 100-run partnership between Lee Russell (39) and Kamalakar Posapalli (81 no) to set a reasonable target of 237.

Unfortunately, the rain began to have an impact and Barnstaple were buoyed by a reduced target of 204 from 37 overs. Joseph Marley took an excellent 3 for 37 for the hosts but they were unable to dislodge Jimmer Thomas, as he went about scoring a match-winning 79 unbeaten from just 50 balls.

Budleigh 2nds are at home to struggling Chardstock this weekend.