Kilmington head into the final three games of the season sitting six points clear of Whimple at the top of the D Division East table after a 90-run win over Honiton in a contest that produced over 500 runs.

Batting first, Kilmington had a centurion in the shape of Matt Rockett as they powered their way to an imposing 303-7. Brett Garner (48) and G Harding (41), provided the best of the supporting cats. Adam Holmes was the pick of the Honiton bowlers with three wickets for 34 runs.

Honiton’s reply was led by a superb knock of 95 by Rob Ingram. Andy Canniford chipped in with 46, but the final Honiton wicket fell with the reply on 213.

Much of the damage for Kilmington was done by Tom Gooding who returned the superb figures of six for 26!

Kilmington skipper Ralph Cook said: “I was relieved to lose the toss as I was honestly not sure what was best, to bat or bowl, and so was thankful the decision was taken away from me!”

On the Matt Rockett innings the skipper said: “Matty batted so well. He dug in and scored his runs carefully allowing others to bat around him. It was a culture knock from the lad, that’s for sure.”

Cook also had praise for Garner and Harding. He said: “Brett (Garner), batting at number six did well with his 48 as did Glen (Harding) who came up from the twos and really played his part first with bat and then he bowled well late in the Honiton innings.”

The Gooding sixfer was also something Cook was obviously keen to praise. He said: “We really were not sure what was a good score on that wicket and we were wary of the fact that Honiton have batsmen who can chase a large score. Tom (Gooding) normally opens and we take him out of the attack three overs or so in. This time he bowled a straight seven before taking a break and in hot conditions. He simply blew away their top order and that was another big feature in the game.”

With two games left and his side very much part of a three-team title race, Cook says: All we can do is look to win our last two against Culmstock and Tiverton. I am pleased that we are at home for the last two games. Now we need the weather to be kind and let cricket decide what happens in terms of deciding who goes up automatically and who gets the play-off game. It’s in our hands, the current table tells you that. That adds to the pressure, but we can do this.”

Kilmington have just two games left to play starting with Saturday’s visit from Culmstock and the following weekend they are without a game owing to the demise of Cheriton Fitzpaine (the Cherries left then league a fortnight ago and had their record removed).

They complete the season on August 29 with a home game against Tiverton. Nearest rivals for the title, Whimple, have a run in that sees them away to Honiton on Saturday and away to Chardstock the following Saturday and they then sit out the final match day as they were set to play Cheriton Fitzpaine.