Honiton claimed a resounding victory in their East Devon derby at Mountbatten Park where they defeated Feniton by eight wickets.

The Honiton fortunes have certainly taken a turn for the better since Adam Holmes took over the captaincy and that move has also heralded a big turn round in form for previous skipper Kev Kelly who once again served up the match-winning individual performance for the team.

Kelly claimed a three wicket haul as did his brother Ian and there was also a first senior wicket for Under-14 leg spinner Charlie Wright as the visitors were restricted to 203-8.

Kev Kelly then thumped a sweet unbeaten 80 as the home side romped home.

Pete Matravers chipped in with another half century and there was a cameo knock of 30 from Nathan Groves.

Skipper Holmes said: “It was a game we were very keen to win, and win well and I think we did just that. Kev (Kelly) did us proud with ball and then bat as we won with something to spare. It was also great that young Charlie (Wright) got his first senior wicket. That moment was very special and will, I am sure, be something he remembers for a long time to come.”

Holmes continued: “I would think that this result, combined with the way we are currently playing our cricket, probably leaves us safe. Of course, there’s no room form complacency and we still have work to do, but this was a big result for us and I am now looking for us to finish the season strongly and do feel a top six finish is not yet beyond us.”

On Saturday Honiton have another East Devon derby with a visit to Uplyme and Lyme Regis.

Holmes says: “It’s another tough game, certainly on paper. Given the way we played against Feniton, more of the same will see us all right!”