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BRIXHAM’S
Chris Sleep smashed one record and almost certainly
helped break another as the Brockman Cup holders stormed
into this year’s final with a 121-run demolition
job on Babbacombe.
Big-hitter Sleep, man of the
match when Brixham defeated Kingskerswell in last season’s
final, crashed a record-breaking 138 in a whopping total
of 213 for five in the semi-final at Torquay Recreation
Ground.
Sleep’s knock, which contained
12 fours and nine sixes, was the highest individual
score in the 76-year history of the competition.
Only two centuries have been scored
before: Ray Haydock (102) for Torquay against Ipplepen
in 1978 and ex-Torquay United soccer player Dave Smith
(101) for St Marychurch against Ipplepen in 1978.
Brixham’s team total is almost
certainly a new record, unless any Brockman Cup veterans
out there know differently.
The previous best in the record book
is the 169 for three scored by St Marychurch against
Wellswood in 1973 final. However, not every game played
over 75 years has been recorded for posterity.
Sleep was promoted to open the innings
by skipper Wes Fowler, only to see opening partner Andy
Hawkes out to the first ball of the match.
Sleep started to dominate proceedings
as Brixham reached 71 for 2 at the end of the 8th over,
when Chris Johnson was stumped for 14.
Sleep and Fowler added 140 runs for
the third wicket off the next 63 balls before the youngster
was caught in the deep in the penultimate over attempting
his 10th six. Fowler scored 34.
Babbacombe were soon in trouble at
16 for six in reply against seamers Craig Eaves (3-15)
and Lee Upham (3-11).
Nick Sleeman compiled an unbeaten
41 as Babbacombe finished on 92 for seven.
Brixham 213-5 (C Sleep 138, W Fowler 34), Babbacombe
92-7 (N Sleeman 41no, L Upham 3-11, C Eaves 3-15). Brixham
bt Babbacombe by 121 runs.