Axminster were three wicket winners in a rain affected game at Chagford.

The Cloakham Lawn side travelled without four regulars with Gary Larcombe away at a concert, Joel Seward only available for a home fixture owing to the Axe Vale Festival and both Dan Murnane and Ryan walker also not involved. So to win against another of the section’s top sides, and with something to spare, was no mean feat!

Batting first the home side closed on 227-9.

Robbie Prior with 3-50 and skipper Tristan Wakeley (2-44) were the most successful of the Axminster bowlers.

Pete Miller then struck an unbeaten 71 from the number three slot to guide Axminster to victory. Opener Brett Garner hit 26 and helped steady things with Miller after the early loss of Johnny Hurford whilst Prior, from the number five berth, struck 33.

Skipper Tristan Wakeley said; “It was another very competent all-round display with everybody playing their part. I was delighted with Sam Farrow who stepped up from the 2nds, bowled well and certainly looks set for a lengthy run in the side.”

Wakeley continued: “At tea the rain arrived and so we were left with a run rate target of 5.04 runs per over and always had one eye on the weather when we batted. Paul (Miller) batted really well and, in terms of the bigger picture, to beat one of the sides who are going to be there or thereabouts come the end of the season, is a big feather in our cap.”

On Saturday Axminster host Dartington and Totnes in the game that ends the first half of the league season.

Wakeley says: “I can’t wait for we are finally able to put out what I consider our strongest starting eleven. I want us to keep doing the positive things, being in a promotion berth at half way is a mark of how well things are going, but no prizes are handed out in June. I want us to last the distance and am confident we will as long as we keep working hard in all, areas of our game.”