RYAN Maunder’s maiden Devon League century set South Devon 2nd XI on course for a 37-run win over Cornwood 4th XI.
Skipper Matt Kitto’s decision to bat first was fully vindicated as South Devon amassed 250 for three in their 40-overs.
Maunder plundered 23 fours and two sixes – that’s 105 in boundaries – and shared in stands of 51 with Morgan Hargreaves, 94 with Ian Shepherd (32) and 99 with Kitto (36no).
“It was an excellent opener's innings,” said winning captain Kitto.
“A steady start, later acceleration and a deserved reward for one of our most dedicated club men.”
Cornwood set off in hot pursuit, but slowed mid-innings and closed on 213 for six. Skipper Nick Tracey (71no) top scored for Cornwood.
Lear (1-27 off 8) kept Cornwood quite at one end after Dave Amery (3-29) slowed the early charge by taking out the top three.
For skipper Kitto the work-on is to bowl straighter earlier in the innings.
“A bit more accuracy is needed with our bowling,” said Kitto.
“It was a good job we had some runs in the bank.
“We needed the experience of Amery and Lear, although there were decent spells from youngsters Josh Hammett and Jack Allen.”
Victory was just the pick-me-up South Devon needed after the previous week’s disastrous defeat at Stokeinteignhead.
Victory lifts South Devon into joint second place in the G Division West table, although probably just for a week.
South Devon have no game this Saturday and are at risk of being overhauled by either Hatherleigh or Whitchurch.