Toby Codd - top scored for Bovey in the defeat by Plymouth <br>credit: https://www.ppauk.com/photo/1377123/

PLYMOUTH belatedly got off the mark in the Tolchards Devon League Premier Division with a hefty 151-run win over reigning champions Bovey Tracey.

Pakistani professional Faizan Riaz slammed 163 as Plymouth totted up 333 for seven in their 50 overs. A stand of 174 for the fifth wicket with Hal Kerton left Bovey captain Toby Codd scratching his head for answers.

Spinners Matt Petherbridge and Fahad Ali then did the damage with the ball, taking seven wickets between them as Bovey were bundled out for 182 in reply.

The city side had not won a game prior to Saturday having dipped out to Sidmouth and Exeter in rounds one and two.

Even without former Somerset and Surrey all-rounder James Burke, who wasn’t available to face the defending champs, Plymouth were just too strong for Bovey.

Winning captain Jon Varcoe said: “We were superb all day.

“Faz and Hal never looked like getting out and the spinners were excellent as usual. 

“It was great to finally get off the mark. We are now looking forward to Exmouth next week.”

Table-topping Exmouth may be a tougher nut to crack than table-propping Bovey, who have lost all three games so far and bottom of the class.

Riaz went in first wicket down at 21 after Varcoe fell lbw to Ashley Causey (2-61). He departed 3-1 runs later when Peter Bradley pinned him lbw. Riaz hit 23 fours during his 128-ball stay.

Along the way there were stands of 34 with Joe Hagan-Burt and 75 with James Toms (31).

Kerton, whose form is going to attract the attention of the Devon management sooner or later, made 67 off 68 balls. He hit seven fours and a six.

Bradley (2-40) was the only Bovey Tracey bowler to go for fewer than five runs an over.

Petherbridge got into the wickets early, snaring ex-Plympton and Ivybridge batter Josh Mailing in his first over, and took three more as Bovey slumped to 46 for four.

Among Petherbridge’s scalps was pro Minhaj Jalill, who went lbw for six.

Andy Fairbairn (24) and Lewis Hammett (39) added 49 for the fifth wicket, then fell close together wit Ali (3-47) getting in on the act.

Causey (27no) and Codd (41) delayed the inevitable while they put on 60 for the eighth wicket.

Harry Ramsden and Kerton got on at the end to wrap it all up.

Beaten captain Codd said: “We weren't good enough once again. Dropped chances and inconsistent bowling ultimately cost us. 

“It is still very early doors though and we'll be raring to go for Sandford on Saturday. 

“Things can only get better for us.”

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