Axminster were beaten by four wickets on their visit to Barnstaple and Pilton for the meeting between the C Division East’s bottom two sides.

Axminster batted first and their cause was not helped by the fact that no fewer than six of their batsmen recorded single figure scores!

Only Matthew Pile (42), Paul Miller (30), Max Felgate (29) and opener Alan Ostler (13), managed to get into double figures as the Axemen, who only had 10 men on duty, were bowled out for 153 in 42.4 overs.

Barum had little difficulty in sailing in home in just 33.4 overs and for the loss of only four wickets.

Matt Pile completed a fine all-round effort with figures of 1-35 from six overs and the other two Axminster bowlers to bag success were Harry Felgate (1-22 from 4-4 overs) and Alex Wraight (1-44 from nine).

The defeat leaves the Axemen sitting second bottom of the table with six games of the campaign remaining.

This Saturday (July 30) they host mid-table Kilmington who they thrashed by nine wickets when the sides met earlier in the season.