Honiton Cricket Club's second team journeyed to Exmouth, competing against Exmouth CC 3rd XI at the scenic Maer seafront ground.

The squad travelled with a lean selection, thanks to Budleigh loaning a couple of players allowing Honiton to field a full team.

The navigation through the lunchtime seaside traffic paid off on their arrival at the impressive ground, equipped with a balcony, a player-exclusive area, and a pitch-side cafe.

Set against the Exmouth team warming up in the nets, Honiton demonstrated their catching skills and excellent music taste to an eager crowd.

With Honiton winning the toss and electing to bat, Groves and Willmington walked out, adorned in their batting pads.

Groves and Willmington set off amicably with sensible running and the odd boundary, taking the score to 44.

However, Groves' cut shot to the rope followed by his dismissal left the team at 7 for 12.

Willmington was then caught oddly, leading to his departure with 18, slowing down the scoring rate.

With the crowd growing and craving action, it was H Haysom and S Haysom who became the unfortunate spectacle.

They were dismissed for 16 (55) and 20 (80) respectively, the scoreline reading 68-4.

An unfortunate dismissal of A Coombe plunged Honiton into danger territory at 68-5.

Despite their position, the Honiton team aimed to increase the run rate.

Aggressive batting ensued, but they found themselves with a score of just 73-7.

Marc Bell emerged as the hero of the day, scoring 12 from only 10 balls before he was caught out.

Honiton's score inched to 98 all out with the help of Tim Morgan and the Budleigh loanees, standing their ground valiantly but in vain.

The looming question now was whether Honiton could pull off a miraculous win after their late rally.

Exmouth, well acquainted with their home ground, confidently began their batting.

Despite the stellar bowling from Morgan and Collier, they could not make inroads into the Exmouth batting.

Exmouth confidently reached the target within 15 overs, not losing a single wicket.

Looking forward, Honiton is eager for a season-ending victory hosting Cullompton CC 3rd XI at Mountbatten Park on Saturday.

With a season total of 112.9 travelled miles, Honiton Cricket Club offers their gratitude to their supportive fans, and especially to the dedicated umpire, Jim Tucker.