In a stunning underdog fashion, Honiton 2s clinched a last-gasp victory against table leaders Cullompton 3s on a slow pitch in Plymtree.

Missing some regular members, Honiton pulled out all the stops ensuring a day filled with excitement and unexpected outcomes.

With Honiton's captain, Steve Haysom choosing to bat first, he and Martin Willmington held firm during the opening exchanges.

An early score of 19/0 from the first ten overs reflected a cautious start.

The scoreboard saw its first significant disruption when Martin was bowled out by Cullompton's Schneeberger, ending his innings with 10 runs.

Harry Haysom then entered, though his stint at the crease was short-lived, dismissed by yet another Schneeberger and Bowles partnership.

With Harry's exit, Lewis Blackwell approached the crease, immediately setting an aggressive pace, smashing 30 runs off 19 balls, including four 4s and one 6.

At 28 overs, the scoreboard read 91/3.

Steve Haysom, leading from the front, provided stability through his tenure, lacing 12 boundaries leading to his season's first half-century, ending on a solid 59 off 123 deliveries.

Side by side with Rick Empson who remained unbeaten with 24, and the quick cameo of Marc Bell with 4, Honiton closed their innings at a respectful 171/4 after 40 overs.

Moving into the field, Honiton had a reasonable scoring target to defend.

With Lewis Blackwell and Richard Hill leading the bowling attack, Honiton faced an uphill battle.

Richard performed admirably tight, though Cullompton stood strong, scoring 87/0 after 16 overs.

In a game-changing moment, Stephen Jones, a borrowed player from Teignmouth and Shaldon CC, made an unexpected impact.

Despite not having bowled for over 20 years, Stephen turned the match around, taking a stunning five wickets for just 35 runs in eight overs.

Cullompton were left precarious at 155/9 after 32 overs, just needing one wicket for a victory that looked like a distant dream after the first 16 overs.

Injury to Honiton's fifth bowler called for an unlikely hero, and Marc Bell rose to the occasion.

Despite a challenging start, the host's last batter failed to decipher Marc's mystery shot.

This turned out to be the final twist in the tale, leading to a snatch-and-grab win for Honiton, who finished the day with 19 points.

It was a day of plaudits not just for Steve Haysom for his half-century, Stephen Jones for his amazing bowling, and Marc Bell for his vital final contribution, but credit also goes to Harv Haysom who remained an indomitable force behind the stumps, making four catches and saving potential extra runs.

Stephen and Michael, who stepped in to ensure a full team complement, and Jim, who officiated the day’s play, deserve a special mention.

The day belonged to Honiton against all odds, a testimony to their grit and determination.