ANDY Fairbairn’s maiden Premier Division century was the platform for Bovey Tracey’s run-rate win over Torquay.

The former Bovey captain stoked eight fours and four sixes on his way to an unbeaten 102 – the last six midway through the final over bowled by Tom Drake to reach three figures.

Lewis Hammett weighed in with 57 as Bovey finished on 233 for five.

A break for rain brought the target down, but Torquay were always behind the clock and finished a long way adrift on 110 for eight.

Pete Bradley, the current captain, said it was a good win over a decent side and an improvement on the week-one win over Exeter.

“I said we couldn’t rely on Matt Golding every week and got the response I hoped for from Andy and Lewis,” said Bradley.

“Having Andy back is a massive bonus for us. Having him at three not in the middle order is like having a new player.”

Bovey were solid rather than spectacular for the first 30 overs as they ambled to 94 for four. A stand of 48 between Fairbairn and Ashley Causey (21) was as good as it got until then.

“Ash showed great shot selection and is a good prospect for the future,” said Bradley.

Fairbairn found a willing running mate in Hammett as Bovey lifted the tempo in the last 20 overs.

Hammett made 57 in a stand of 120 with Fairbairn that lasted until the penultimate over.

Hammett was the man to go, stumped off the bowing of Dan Wightman.

Matt Petherbridge (2-45) was the only Torquay bowler to take more than one wicket. Nick Watkin was the meanest of Torquay’s bowlers. He took one for 15 from 10 overs.

Torquay lost opener Mitch Pugh early and week-one century maker George Allen went caught behind second ball.

Skipper Yau, in at eight for two in the sixth over, made a patient 35 as Torquay rebuilt. A stand of 33 with Ben Francis was a start, but it wasn’t sustained.

Yau’s demise on 66 for four, the first of three wickets for Toby Codd (3-23) was the start of a terminal decline.

Three wickets went for six runs added – Ryan Bougourd (2-34) getting in on the act – and with no prospect of winning Torquay meandered to 110 for eight after 30 overs.

With more than 200 on the board, people are going to struggle to chase against our Minor County-standard attack, said Bradley, who has the county quintet past and present of Whitlock, Golding, Bougourd, brother Chris and Codd to call on.

The attack will only get stronger when Luke Jongwe belatedly arrives from Zimbabwe.

Yau said Torquay weren’t good enough for long enough in all facets of the game, which contributed to their defeat.

“We were in a good position when we had drinks. but lost some momentum and Andy Fairbairn batted really well to give them a solid score.

“Bovey bowled well and we found it difficult to rotate the strike throughout our innings.

“We needed to be a bit more positive chasing down the target and we struggled to keep up with the run rate.

“We need to work hard and come back better next week at Exmouth.

“No games are easy in this division and we need to address our performance and raise it against another very good side.”