Devon Cricket Board - Fawcett gives Torquay some tap on way to debut 99

Fawcett gives Torquay some tap on way to debut 99

JAKE Fawcett signed in with 99 on his debut at defending champions Sidmouth sent a ‘hands’off’ warning to the rest of the Premier Division with a 63-run win over leaders Torquay.
Sidmouth, who paraded South African newcomer Fawcett for the first time, amassed 274 for seven in their 50 overs.
After Liam Lewis (42) and Matt Cooke (24) shunted the Torquay bowling around for 60 in the first nine overs, Fawcett took centre stage.
Fawcett swished nine fours and a six on his way to 99 of 86 balls and shared in stands of 86 with Pete Randerson (20) and 42 with Anthony Griffths (15).
Just when it seemed a debut ton was there for the taking, Fawcett was bowled by Torquay captain Justin Yau (3-19).
Opening bowler Ryan Stevenson (0-64) had his first barren afternoon since joining Torquay at the start of the season – he suffered front foot trouble too and the free hits cost him runs.
Matt Petherbridge (2-37) again impressed,, keeping it tight from his end.
Torquay, who were without Somerset’s Max Waller, got just the start they did not want as Will Murray (2-21) and Charlie Miles (3-43) reduced them to 36 for four in the 16th over.
Mitch Pugh (21) and dangerman Matt Thompson went in the space of four balls, which didn’t help.
Tim Western with a patient 43 and Sach Galhenage (68no) put in 63 to keep Torquay in with a sniff.
But mean bowling from Liam Lewis (2-32), Miles (3-40), skipper Will Murray (2-21) and the wicketless Andy Mathieson kept Torquay behind the clock.
Galhenage batted through with Joe Thompson (20) and Nick Watkin (25) to clock up a couple of batting bonus points for Torquay, who had four of a maximum five in a final total of 211 for nine.
Torquay are still top of the table with an 11-point lead over Bovey Tracey in second place.
Sidmouth are up to fourth with 19 points to make up on the leaders.
Will Murray, the Sidmouth captain, said Fawcett may have hogged the limelight, but there was more to winning the game than his contribution.
“He looked a bit scratchy at first - which is understandable – then started hitting the ball very fluently,” said Murray.
“The wicket had some pace and bounce in it, which suited our openers Matt Cooke a and Liam Lewis as they like it that way.
“Matt and Liam gave us such a good start, it didn’t matter that we slowed a bit in the middle overs.”
Torquay’s unbeaten record had to go sometime and skipper Justin Yau had few complaints.
“It was a tough day,” said Yau.
“Sidmouth were excellent and thoroughly deserved to win.
“We didn't bowl as well as we have done in recent weeks and Jake Fawcett played a cracker of an innings.
“We found it difficult from the off and got bogged down very early in our reply and that was a testament to the way they bowled too.
“Sidmouth have always been a very good unit and they will be difficult to beat at Fortfield.”
Yau said there were positives from the match, in particular Sach Galhenage’s display with bat and ball.
“Matt Petherbridge bowled brilliantly when we were under the cosh and Nick Watkin and Sach Galhenage had useful spells,” said Yau.
“Sach batted with freedom too which was pleasing to see.
“We have a big local derby this week against Paignton and we must get back on track.”

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