Honiton lost for the first time in three games since Adam Holmes assumed the captains role at Mountbatten Park.
The game with visiting Ashburton saw the hosts without the Kelly brothers.
Promotion chasing Ashburton bated first and powered their way to 278 for the loss of just four wickets.
In reply the home side were bundled out for just 117.
The defeat leaves Honiton still in the thick of the relegation picture.
There are four teams at the foot embroiled in a battle to avoid being one of the two who will slip down a section in eight weeks time.
Honiton currently sit fourth bottom on 91 points, the same number as eighth placed Countess Wear with Feniton second bottom on 87 points and basement side Halberton and Sampford Peverell on 86.
Next up for Honiton is Saturday’s trip to second placed Seaton.
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