GEORGE Allen hit a maiden Premier Division century in Torquay’s 186-run win over newly promoted Bradninch.

Bradninch back in the top flight this season after an absence of three years, were hoping for something better than a heavy defeat first time out.

Torquay posted 256 for four in 45 rain-reduced overs –Allen top scoring with 101 not out.

Bradninch were bowled out for 70 in reply, no one making more than Tim Piper who scored 21 against his former club.

“It was a perfect start to the season and we are glad to have started quickly,” said Torquay captain Justin Yau.

“We batted really well and had a good platform laid down to allow us to be positive in the middle overs and the way George batted was fantastic.

“He rotated the strike when he needed to and was aggressive throughout which set us up for a big score.

“He was desperate to score a match-winning 100 this year and I'm so pleased for him.”

Bradninch’s new Aussie paceman Matt Foster pulled up with a back injury in his sixth over, which did Bradninch no favours at all.

Mitch Pugh (38) and Ben Francis (20) gave the Rec Grounders 61-run start in the first 12 overs before Matt Parker broke the stand.

Pugh and Allen took the score up to 90 when Pugh fell to Andy Buzza.

From then on Allen dominated the Bradninch bowlers, going on to reach 101 off 109 balls with 10 fours in a two-hour stay.

Along the way there were stands of 82 with skipper Justin Yau (33) and 47 with Joe Thompson (17).

No Bradninch bowler took more than two wickets and Parker (3.89) was the only one to go for less than four and over.

Bradninch ran into trouble almost immediately as Thompson (3-31) and spinner Matt Petherbridge (3-14), who opened the bowling, reduced them to 28 for four.

Matt Beasant (2-14) and Dan Wightman (2-8) kept chipping away with Piper and Ross Acton (15) the only batters to offer any resistance.

“All of our bowlers executed well and we managed to strangle Bradninch right from the off,” said Yau.

“Joe (Thompson) was moving the ball off the deck at will and our spinners were quality and made it very difficult to score.

“Matt Petherbridge was outstanding up-top- as were Dan and Matt who bowled with great control and deservedly picked up wickets.

“There is a long way to go and we will keep our feet firmly on the ground and we will try and build at Bovey Tracey.”

Although Bradninch skipper Gary Chappell had to drop out at the last minute due to a pressing family engagement, he had a good idea what went wrong.

“Give we only had one warm-up game, we were underprepared,” said Chappell.

“Matt Foster, our overseas player, was injured so had to bowl spin. “Even so we didn't play very well at all and need to do better.

“It is only one game and we'll move on and work hard for Sidmouth next.”

It won’t be any easier against defending champions Sidmouth, who will be smarting after their opening day defeat by newly promoted Paignton.

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