HEMYOCK were tormented by a former No. 11 batsman as they went down by 146 runs to Kingskerswell.

Kings skipper Chris Hurrell decided to promote Paul Harding from the bottom of the order to the top — and he responded with an unbeaten 159 including 16 fours and 12 sixes.

The home side racked up 299 for two, with Steve Lacey (62no) joining Harding for an unbroken 197-run stand.

Josh Essex (1-81) and Dave Hart (1-64) were the two Hemyock bowlers to strike.

Visiting skipper John Hurley again led his side with an excellent half-century in reply, but when he went for 55 the innings slumped to 153 all out. Nick Allen struck a solid 29 for the losers.

Newton St Cyres became the latest team to fall by the wayside as leaders Filleigh beat them by 30 runs.

Filleigh racked up 197 all out batting first.

Then home reply was underpinned by a magnificent 92 not out from Carl Downes, but nobody else could spend much time in support as Newton dipped to 167 all out.

Cullompton's misery continued with a 112-run defeat by Chelston.

Strapping all-rounder Mark Faulkner faced the first and last deliveries of the home innings and should have made a century.

He was denied one when caught in the deep for 97 off the final delivery as Chelston posted an imposing 260 for five.

James Bedford was the most successful of the Mid Devon side's bowlers with two for 54.

Malcolm Paiva once again held the Cully innings together with another half-century.

He was eventually out for 62 but only Tom Warren (39) was able to give much support as the innings floundered on 148.