It was definitely not a day for the batsmen at Mountbatten Park, as Honiton edged past Bradninch 2nds in a nailbiting affair.
James Matravers made an electric start with the ball for Honiton, removing opener Paul Nott caught and bowled for just one. Matravers then bowled Will Birley for 14 but this was just the start for the Honiton attack.
Matravers removed Chris Acton for a duck and Bradninch were toiling on 27-4 when Corey Lapping joined the fun, dismissing Connor Carthew for 10.
Willy Graham trapped David Penberthy (14) and quickly followed that with the wicket of Pete Harmer (1), who was clean bowled.
The Honiton attack gave their visitors no respite and it was a very happy tea break for the hosts, with Bradninch all out for just 70. Matravers took a fine 3-16 and Graham was even better, with figures of 3-6 from seven overs.
On what was clearly an awkward track for batting, Bradninch claimed the early wicket of Andrew Lapping (6) but Honiton settled a little, moving the score to 27 when George Meadows was removed for 13.
However, a mild sense of panic began to run through the Honiton dressing room with the loss of Michael Docherty and Ben Kennell for ducks, with opener Dave Haysom then run out for nine.
From nowhere, Honiton were 38-5 and Bradninch could sense a miraculous victory.
Matravers came to the middle and ultimately provided the assurance that would just about get his side over the line, as he followed a terrific bowling display with a confident 28 no, despite wickets tumbling around him.
Honiton finally reached their target with just two wickets to spare and relief was definitely the overriding emotion for the Mountbatten men.
Honiton are back on home territory this weekend, with Woodbury & Newton St Cyres the visitors. If Honiton can find another victory, a late-season assault on the top positions is a definite possibility.