Batting at number 4 for Devon U17s in their match against Cornwall, Sidmouth’s Mathew Cooke broke the individual batting record for Devon youth cricket. His 201 not out was ten runs more than Mathew Wood’s 191 against Hampshire in 1998. The new Somerset vice-captain went to Exmouth to congratulate Cooke, but sadly missed him as he had a presentation to attend. Cooke came to the wicket with his side in some difficulty and from a precarious 40-4 he took them to a declaration at 383-8. His innings took 302 minutes and he faced 218 balls hitting 32 fours and 3 sixes. His hundred came off 113 balls. He shared in key partnerships with Jack Porter (80), 119 with Mickey Wilkinson (57) and 70 with Justin Yau. In the second innings he was out for 198 less runs! Cooke's performance was magnificent against an attack that included Anthony Angrove who has played for the full County side this summer.His innings came exactly 350 days since his last county appearance against Middlesex when he scored an unbeaten 69. His loss, due to injury, to the county over the last month of last season proved critical in their 2004 U17 campaign.