Honiton 2nds were in action despite the elements this weekend.

Following months of heavy rain, the match against Budleigh Salterton had been in doubt.

But groundsman Andrew Lapping put any apprehensions to rest when he gave the nod for the match after inspecting the pitch on Saturday morning.

Sadly this was not the case for the 1st team, who saw their game at Culmstock cancelled because of a waterlogged pitch.

The day was brightened up by clear blue skies and the sun's rays as Honiton 2nds was asked to bat first.

The damp wicket proved a challenge for opening duo Nathan Groves and Steve Haysom, who had to struggle to find runs initially.

First to fall was Groves, caught for 4 off 18 balls, followed by Dan Hooper who put up a similar score off 22 balls.

The day's top score came from Steve Haysom, lasting until being bowled out at 38 from 110 balls.

Adrian Coombe added some vigour to the innings, managing 30 not out off 32 balls, and Richard Empson rounded off the Honiton innings with 10 not out off 14 balls.

After a taxing 40 overs, Honiton stood at 137 for 5, a score bolstered by 38 wides.

The tea interval was followed by a tense fielding session for Honiton, aiming to capitalise on their batting.

The opening bowlers Harry Haysom and Dan Hooper opened the proceedings well and created early chances.

Unfortunately, a lapse in fielding led to three catches being dropped during the first 11 balls of the innings, which proved costly to team Honiton.

Budleigh's skipper England didn't let the opportunities slip and quickly scored 101 not out, with his tally including 10 fours and five sixes off 57 balls.

Haysom did manage to get three wickets for 32 in his six overs due to successful catches by Harry Court and Richard Hill.

Hill also accounted for the other wicket that fell, caught by Harvey Haysom.

Budleigh reached their target in under 18 overs, concluding a rather tough day for the Honiton 2nds.

A note of thanks goes to Jim Tucker for umpiring and Andrew Lapping for preparing for the game against the odds.

The Honiton 2nds hope to learn from the day and put in a better performance when they play away at Culmstock, the same ground the 1sts were supposed to play on for the first round of fixtures.