Exeter III require thirty more points to be sure of playing C Division 2nd XI cricket next season.
They chalked up an 11th win in 13 outings with a 70-run home success over Axminster II.
Joel Heatley (45) and Brian Bosomworth (44) led the side to 234-9.
John Swain was the star of the Axemen’s bowling effort with 6-38 from his 13 overs whilst Max Felgate claimed 3-74.
Sean Perry then top scored with 68 and Colin Leadbetter chipped in with 39, but wickets fell at regular intervals with Naj Choudhary taking eight of them to finish with 8-29 as Exeter wrapped up a comfortable win.
Feniton II remain in the D Division East 2nd XI promotion picture after they were maximum point winners at home to Upottery II.
Toby Devine (55), Stuart bright (41) and 14-year-old Josh Cann (31), helped the Acland Park side to 214-8.
Connor Toogood then claimed 3-6 and skipper Francis Pyle weighed in with 3-25 as Upottery were bowled out for 99 with only Steve Jennings (37no) making much impression with the bat.
Feniton sit second, 31 points short of champions-elect Exeter III with three to play.
They host North Devon II on Saturday then travel to Axminster before a September 1 showdown with Exeter at Acland Park.
Kentisbeare II were unable to field an eleven and so conceded their game to scheduled visitors Whimple II.
Uplyme and Lyme Regis II were deserved seven wicket home winners over Exmouth III.
Wesley Holmes claimed 3-21 and Michael Holding claimed 2-39 as the visitors were bowled out for 170 with a half century of their total coming in extras! Jack England top scored for Exmouth with 35.
Eddie Clarke then struck an unbeaten 64 and Bruce Maltby was not out 51 when a seven wicket win was confirmed.
That Maltby half century came up in just 18 balls! Harry Conway took 3-56 for the visitors.
Mark Ansell hit an unbeaten 76 to help North Devon III to a 177 run win over visiting Countess Wear II.
The home side closed on 218-7 and then Raymond Clarke claimed 6-13 as the Exeter side were hustled out for just 41.