Undoubtedly one of the best players in the Tolchards Devon Cricket League, a mesmerising display with bat and ball by Jason Niemand has blown open the race for the Premier Division title.

Sandford have been enjoying an awesome run of form and were big favourites at home to an inconsistent Exmouth, but any side possessing the talents of a Niemand has a chance.

The home side made a strong start, compiling 72 runs for the first wicket before Niemand made the breakthrough. Sandford were suddenly 76-3, with Lawrence Greenway enjoying a fine spell with the ball.

Niemand ended with three wickets, as Sandford stumbled 197-7 from their 50 overs. The Exmouth talisman then bashed his way to an unbeaten 97, ably supported by Dan Pyle (54 no), for a stunning eight-wicket victory.

Champions Bradninch & Kentisbeare are chasing hard in second after a comfortable nine-wicket win over lowly North Devon, who suffered the painful humiliation of being all out for just 27.

Ross Acton (6-12) and Yuvraj Singh (4-15) were just too good for the North Devon batsmen and B&K strolled to their target in less than eight overs.

Cornwood are in third place after a nervy two-wicket triumph at Heathcoat. Liam Lewis (57) was the main contributor for the hosts but Matt Skeemer was terrific with the ball for Cornwood, claiming four wickets in a home total of 160.

Ben Beaumont (61) anchored the chase and Skeemer added 30 runs to his bowling success. Cornwood stuttered at times but reached their target with two wickets to spare.

Sidmouth edged to a three-run defeat at a Plympton side fighting for their Premier League survival. Captain Luke Bess (38) was the top scorer for Sidmouth in their total of 186 all out and it was just enough, as the hosts fell three runs short.

The final Premier Division game saw Paignton creep to a two-wicket win at home to Bovey Tracey, as both sides looked to climb away from the bottom two.

Seb Ansley (71) and Ashley Causey (61) played very well in helping Bovey to a total of 234-8. Charlie Ward took three wickets for Paignton and his 48 with the bat, along with Luke Medlock (64 no), proved crucial in their narrow win.