AN unbeaten century by Dan Bowser – his second in the league this season – helped North Devon to a win over Plymouth at Instow.
Faian Riaz made a century and James Burke 71 for Plymouth in a total of 228 for six.
Plymouth made North Devon graft out a win, but win they did with two wickets in hand and two balls to go.
A knock of 127 not out by North Devon opener Bowser was ultimately the difference between the two sides.
Matt Westaway, the North Devon captain, said it was one of the best innings he had seen during his 10-years plus at the club.
“We were left a lot to do, but Dan hit it so clean at the end it was incredible,” said Westaway.
“We did well to restrict Plymouth to 228 as at one point I thought they would get 30-40 more.
“It's great to get over the line in a tight finish as we have our fair share of disappointment in tight finishes so far this season.
“Dan’s knock was incredible and just what the team and club needed.”
For losing skipper Jon Varcoe, who dropped himself down the order after a run of low scores, it was another bad day in the office. Four defeats in five starts have left the city side hovering above the relegation places
“We weren't consistent enough throughout the game,” said the Plymouth captain.
“We had excellent spells with bat and ball, but also spells where we were very poor.”
The stand of 148 for the second-wicket between Burke and Riaz underpinned the Plymouth innings.
Next best was 19 not out in the latter overs for Dan Robotham.
Burke, who was a pro with Surrey and Somerset, and Riaz, who still is a pro at home in Pakistan, priced their wickets highly.
There was little change for the North Devon bowlers, although Josh King and Adrian Isherwood both went for less than four an over.
North Devon started positively with Bowser, Ed Yeo (25) and Ben Ward (21) getting them to 92 for one.
Three wickets went for five runs added as spinners Fahad Ali and Harry Ramsden got involved.
And when Rob Ayre and King went close together, North Devon had slipped to 135 for six.
A stand of 51 between Bowser and Steffan James (21) soothed North Devon nerves and Bowser saw it through by slapping Ramsden for the 17th and last four of his innings.
