Folland fails as Exmouth fall deeper into trouble

EXMOUTH remain in deep trouble at the bottom of the table after going down by six wickets in Saturday’s relegation clash against Paignton on the Maer.

Exmouth were only five points behind Paignton in the second relegation spot, roles which could have been reversed had the result gone the other way.

The hosts were taking the game seriously as they persuaded former Devon captain Nick Folland to drop down from the first XI to give them a helping hand.

Folland didn’t do much with the bat though as Exmouth slumped to 169 all out — Rob Shergold (3-32) dismissed Devon’s all-time leading run scorer for just one.

Having got to 57 without loss, Tom Booker (45) scoring most of them, Exmouth slipped to 76 for four. Mike Cliff (40) got the runs flowing again at the end in tandem with Mark Davies and Toby Ingham.

But Paignton opener Simon Mantell hit an unbeaten 86 which underpinned their successful run chase.

Victory lifts Paignton 20 points clear of the danger zone, but Exmouth are in deep trouble as they need to beat Bovey Tracey and hope North Devon either lose or draw badly with Sandford, who are already relegated.

Bovey Tracey’s game away to Plympton was called off without a ball bowled.

Exeter didn’t get far in their game at North Devon, which started late and finished far too early.

Exeter were 93 for two from 24 of their 38 overs, Will Steward unbeaten on 35, when the rain came down.

Sidmouth can’t be caught for the Premier title now, even though they were rained off against Cornwood.

The Fortfield side are 27 points ahead of the second-placed Corns with only 20 left to play for.