SUNDAY, APRIL 12
Click to hear Conrad Sutcliffe's match verdict
PLYMPTON'S Lewis Gregory hit a century – and former Plymouth College student James Burke should have had one as well – as Devon trounced Streets2Arena CC by 116 runs at Exeter yesterday.
Gregory retired on 110 having shared in an opening stand of 223 with Burke as Devon rattled up 288 for eight in their 50 overs. He hit 12 fours and a six and only offered one half-chance – a sharp caught-and-bowled in the 90s.
Burke made 87 and should have followed Gregory to three figures, but paid for having a head-high swish at seamer Hassan Khan and was caught behind down the leg-side. The former Plymstock Colt, now on Somerset's books, hit seven fours.
“It was a great partnership from two young cricketers still in their teens,” crooned Devon captain Bob Dawson.
“Lewis batted beautifully and showed good concentration to make his ton as the bowling was a bit erratic at times.
“Burkie had a bit of luck as he could have been caught a couple of times, but the work he has put in on his batting to become a genuine all-rounder at county level showed up.
By the time Burke went the overs were running out, which was hard luck on young prospects such as Sam Smith (Heathcoat) and Gary Chappell (Bradninch), who were in for their batting and didn't get worthwhile time at the crease.
Seamer Hassan Khan – none for 27 in his first three overs – got a second spell when the slog was on and took six wickets for 18 runs, including Dawson, who failed to score for the second successive game.
It looked like a mismatch at times when Streets2Arenas were fielding – and the gulf between the standards was emphasised when the inner-city lads from Birmingham batted.
They were never in the hunt after reaching 21 for two after 10 overs and faded to 172 for six at the close. Fusail Sahid top scored with 44 not out.
Anning and Scott Barlow finished with two wickets each with Josh Bess and Neil Hancock sharing the other two.
Devon 288-8 (L Gregory 110, J E Burke 87; H Khan 6-45), Streets2Arenas 172-6 (F R Sahid 44no, O M Ali 30; S Barlow 2-18, T S Anning 2-30). Devon bt Streets2Arenas by 116 runs.