Whatever the sport, fixtures between Budleigh and Exmouth always carry extra spice and excitement, and H Division East of the Tolchards Devon Cricket League was the ideal setting for the latest chapter in a local saga.

Exmouth 3rds made the short trip to Budleigh 3rds and the away side desperately needed a victory to climb away from the bottom, while Budleigh had their sights set on climbing into the top three.

Budleigh batted first and lost opener Duncan Gracie, trapped leg before from the bowling of Rory MacDonald. Neil Murrin did compile a steady 54 at the other end but Exmouth chipped away two more wickets, Cameron Horne and Chris Caws doing the damage.

Zaman Khan executed a fine run out to halt Alex Roper on 33 and Budleigh closed on 172 all out. The reply stuttered when Rowan Mould removed opener Richard Dye for a duck but Exmouth then settled into their task.

Oliver Lampert (30), Rafa Mascarenhas (30), Ryan McCann (39) and Alan Pyne (37) ensured the chase always looked in control and Exmouth took the bragging rights with a six-wicket victory ensured inside 35 overs.

It was a far tougher day for the first-team at the Maer, as Exmouth slumped to a ten-wicket loss in the Premier Division. Dan Pyle (53) and Jason Niemand (37) were the top scorers in a steady first innings of 228 for the hosts.

However, Plympton openers Ben Privett (102 no) and Harry Kandampully (108 no) delivered a superb unbroken partnership for a massive win to the visitors. Exmouth travel to Bovey Tracey this weekend.

In the A Division, Budleigh firsts were also out-played in their trip to Exeter, losing by 138 runs. Ed Doble claimed three wickets for Budleigh but Exeter still set a challenging total of 281-7. Budleigh were in big trouble on 6-2, briefly settling with a patient 52 from Alex Cole.

Captain Lloyd Murrin also struck a 44 but only one other batsman reached double figures, as Budleigh were skittled out form just 143.

A steady 46 from skipper Richard Baggs was not enough to prevent Exmouth 2nds slipping to a five-wicket loss at Braunton, while three wickets from Kamalakar Posapalli and a 66 from Oliver Roper helped Budleigh 2nds defeat Topsham St James.