Devon Cricket Board - Plymouth batters pile up the tons

Plymouth batters pile up the tons

JAMES Toms and Marnus Labuschagne both slammed centuries as Plymouth signalled their intentions for the season ahead with a crushing 150-run win over North Devon,
A brisk stand of 65 between Callum Whittaker (21) and Toms got Plymouth up and running, then South African new boy Labuschagne got stuck into the bowling.
A stand of 132 between Toms and Labuschagne ended on 197 within moments of Toms reaching his ton.
A moment’s hesitation taking a single gave North Devon’s South African U19 star Jason Smith the opportunity to throw down the stumps with Toms flagging to make his round. He was on 105.
Labuschagne kept on going to reach 126 not out in Plymouth’s 50-over total of 318 for three.
Harry Stephenson chipped in with 33 before the overs ran out.
North Devon’s bowlers all took a bit of a pounding, however Matt Westaway’s one for 34 off 10 overs was a notable exception.
North Devon were faced with scoring at more than six and over to win, which is a tall order when things are going well.
At 67 for six in reply with Sam Stein (3-30) among the wickets, North Devon were looking down the barrel of a heavy defeat.
Rob Ayre (30) and Westaway (17) delayed the inevitable by putting on 25, then Paul Heard (26no) shored up the other end with Ayre and finally Matt Dart.
Dart was last man out for 15 – Pasi Mawalage (2-18) prising him away – as North Devon were dismissed for 168.
For new skipper Matt Hooper it was a winning start to his regime and a performance to set standards for the rest of the season.
“I have said to the team I am expecting 300 every week now - It makes it a lot easier,” joked Hooper.
“It was a dream start for us against a good side. I think North Devon had 'one of those days' but they are a very good side.
“Having the lost the toss and get over 300 was a magnificent achievement. James and Marnus batted brilliantly.
“James' hard work this winter/pre-season has paid off, he knows more than anyone, scoring big runs will get him into the Devon squad.
“We are all delighted for him and hope there is more to come. I don't think I have seen anyone hit it so cleanly in the first game of the season
“Marnus also batted very well, he timed and controlled his innings, he never looked rushed and kept the scoreboard ticking over.
“He was feeling the pressure of being an overseas player in his first game but he showed a maturity beyond his years.”
There is more than one discipline involved in winning a match and Hooper praised the contribution made by the bowlers, led from the top by Dave Burke with two for 21 on his return to the side after a year out due to illness.
“It was good to see all our bowlers chipping in,” said Hooper.
“Knowing we had 300 on board made it a lot easier, but we were very disciplined and we caught well.

“All the bowlers bowled well and I think our bowling attack has a balanced feel to it.”

North Devon skipper Matt Dart said things can only get better at home to Budleigh Salterton this Saturday.
“We were completely batted out of the game,” said Dart.
“Plymouth batted really well and didn't give a chance.
“Although the figures don't show it, but we didn't bowl that badly.
“It was a day to forget and all of us are looking forward to starting for real against Budleigh.”

DCB Ltd, University of Exeter Sports Hall, Stocker Road, Exeter, Devon EX4 4QN Company Registration Number: 7024773