BOVEY Tracey surrendered the Devon T20 Cup to Exmouth following a 58-run defeat in the final at Cornwood.

Exmouth appeared to have one hand on the trophy having reached 155-9.

Bovey had Exmouth worried at 18 for three – Will Christophers (3-18) in particular posing problems for them – but runs from Jason Niemand (26), big-hitter Brendan Streather and an eight-ball cameo from George Greenway (20 off eight balls) helped hoist the total.

Seb Ansley (2-32) and spinner Ollie Clifford-Bourne (2-25) made Exmouth work for runs at times.

Bovey Tracey were 62-3 at the halfway stage with Musa Twala just out for 26. Bovey needed some big overs to catch up with the asking rate, but could not find any, despite a flourish or two from Sam Taylor (19) and Seb Ansley (11).

Greenway (3-14) and Jason Niemand (3-20) whittled away the bottom half of the order to send Bovey to 97 all out with more than three overs unused.

Ansley, the Bovey captain, said if there was a turning point in the game it was midway through the Exmouth innings.

“We started well with key wickets, however let them get away with it in the middle overs with a sixth wicket partnership of 47 – and 29 extras, not ideal in a T20 game,” said Ansley.

“I felt we could get the runs and was fairly happy to accelerate from midway as anything can happen with our batting line-up.

“But a good bowling and fielding performance from Exmouth meant the best team won on the day.”

Bovey Tracey (142-4), who were looking to retain the cup the defeated Sandford to win this time last year, reserved their place in the final with a 65-run win over Plymouth (77) on the adjoining ground at Cornwood. Seamer Rob Pryke bagged three Plymouth wickets.

Exmouth passage to the final was via a nine-wicket win over Sidmouth in a morning semi-final.