They say you should always beware a wounded animal, and Tolchards Devon League 'A' Division leaders Exmouth certainly fell into that category when they took on Exeter at the Maer Ground.

Beaten for the second time this season at Budleigh Salterton seven days before, and facing the only other side to lower their colours, Lawrence Greenway's side - and Jason Niemand in particular - had a point to prove.

Exeter fought hard - they batted to the final over before being dismissed for 204, with George Greenway taking 3-36 and Niemand 2-25 off ten overs.

Niemand had been dismissed for 'only' 24 at Budleigh, but he was in no mood to miss out again - the South African opener hit 106no, including nine fours and three sixes.

An opening stand of 77 with James Horler (25) put a dent in the target, and Exmouth cruised home by five wickets with more than ten overs to spare.

That knock took Niemand's league tally this season to 817 runs in eight innings, three of them unbeaten - an average of 163.

The result enabled Exmouth to maintain a 24-point lead over Torquay, who chased Thorverton's 209-9 to win by four wickets.

That sets up a 2nd-v-1st showdown with Torquay at their Recreation Ground this Saturday.

Bovey 2nds are scudding along at the top of 'B' Division, which has little East Devon interest, with Clyst St George second and Tavistock third.

But it's getting ever tighter in 'C' Division East, where Uplyme & Lyme Regis' lead is down to two points after a third defeat of the season at the hands of Heathcoat 2nd XI.

Heathcoat scored 245-6 from their 45 overs, and opener Mark Batey's battling 93no and 34 from Sam Farrow wasn't enough to get Uplyme closer than 202-8.

Sidmouth 2nds are up to second after thumping Braunton (158) by nine wickets - Charlie Gaywood hit 78no and Robbie Powell 36no.

And Codie Strydom followed up his 86 against Uplyme the week before with 101no as improving Exmouth 2nds chased down Sandford II's 216-9 for the loss of five wickets.

Uplyme lead with 151, from Sidmouth 149, Sandford 143, Braunton 141 and Alphington 134.