Seaton skipper Ben Morgan was another to be left ruing his ides failings as Seaton were forced to settle for a losing draw in their game at Stoke Gabriel.

The hosts were 110-5 and then 160-7 but rallied to close on 261-7.

Morgan said: “We should have been chasing much less than we were. I am afraid it was the old adage of dropped catches that cost us so dear. We did apply ourselves better with the bat against what was some exceptional bowling. We had healthy contributions down the order and were, I felt, worthy of taking something from the game.”

The skipper led by example with the ball taking 4-75. Then, in the post tea session when batting became more difficult, Matt Hancock top scored with 54 and there was a half century also from Steven Pritchard (51) whilst John Waterhouse (21), Charlie Clode (20) and the skipper (19), all chipped in.

Next up for Seaton is Saturday’s home meeting with Bideford. With his side sitting in the bottom three and a third of the season all ready done and dusted the Seaton skipper is confident in his side’s abilities to move upwards and onwards. “We have a young side and it is very much a case of a sharp learning curve throughout the team. We have now played the current top three sides and, with the exception of then game against Clyst Hydon, have not been outplayed. We are very much a side that is work in progress and with plenty of youngsters making their way I the game in the 2nd XI as well, I am very confident about the club’s future.”

Seaton II were involved in a thrilling encounter with Kilmington that was not decided until half way through the final over of the day. There was a wonderful display of batting from 13-year old Reid Mawdsley – one of seven colts in the side on the day – who was bowled going for another shot with 95 to his name. Seaton closed on191 with skipper Ian Hunt (29) and Toby Tucker (22) also in the runs. Kilmington got home with two balls and three wickets to spare despite a fine spell from teenage bowler Chris Aplin who claimed 4-42.

Skipper Hunt said: “The young lads are all coming along so very well and being involved in matches like this one will do them no end of good. Young Reid batted superbly and it was a great shame that he could not quite get over the line for his century. Then we had a superb spell of bowling by another of the youngsters, Chris Aplin who consistently put the ball on the spot. It’s all, very encouraging.”