Axminster made it four wins from four as they continue to top the C Division alongside Bideford who sport a similar record.

The Cloakham Lawn side’s latest victory was an eight wicket stroll at home to Plymouth Civil Service who had started the day fifth having been beaten just once in the opening weeks.

Skipper Tristan Wakeley won the toss and asked the visitors to bat, something Wakeley explained saying: “With the rain we had had on Friday I felt there was sufficient moisture about for Robbie (Prior) to exploit and so it proved. We bowled very tidily and I was very confident at tea that we’d knock off what we needed.” Prior finished with figures of 4-32 and Gary Larcombe picked up three wickets for 18 runs.

Johnny Hurford then thumped a whirlwind half century from just 24 balls and was finally out for 63 leaving Joel Seward (31no) and skipper Tristan Wakeley (21no) to ease the side to a handsome win.

Wakeley said: “A good start has become a very good one, but I am conscious that there’s always the next game that can come along and spoil things. It seems that Bideford and Kingsbridge are going to be the main rivals to our ambitions so we do need to keep this run going.”

Next up Axminster travel to four placed Kingsbridge who have won three and lost one of their first four games this term.

Wakeley says: “The next one is a big one and it’s a great chance for us to put some daylight between ourselves and a side I do feel will have a say in proceedings this season.”

Brett Garner and Dan Murnane, both of whom missed the Plymouth win, are back available for the Kingsbridge trip. Wakeley says: “Everyone wants a slot in the starting eleven so now we have some healthy competition for places.”

Axminster II were 181 run winners over Whimple II. Bradley Cross (96) and Sean Perry (77) were amongst the runs in a total of 385-5 and then Whimple were bundled out for 204.

On Saturday the 2nds entertain Kilmington II in an East Devon derby.