Exmouth managed to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat as they forced a Paignton collapse at the crease.

Despite the Maer Ground resembling more of a vibrant tennis court than a straw-coloured cricket field, the home team put together a total of just 169 runs with the bat.

Exmouth's top scorers, Jason Niemand and James Horler, made 36 and 24 respectively.

Paignton bowlers Steven George, George Woodcock, and Luke Medlock each took two wickets.

Despite initial success in their innings standing at 99 for 2, Paignton fell flat on their face, finishing with a total of 131 runs.

The collapse handed Exmouth a win with a margin of 38 runs.

Niemand led the bowling efforts for Exmouth, claiming four wickets for 17 runs.

Captain Fin Marks sent two batsmen packing for just 15 runs, and Lawrence Greenway finished off the visitors' batting line-up with two wickets costing 21 runs.

The surprise triumph propelled Exmouth to third place in the Premier Division of the Devon Cricket League.

Their next game is against Exeter, which is set for The County Ground on Saturday (July 20).