Faizan  Riaz makes his way off the County Ground after scoring 155 against Exeter<br>credit: Gerryhunt21@btinternet.com

FAIZAN Riaz slammed an unbeaten 155 as Plymouth put Exeter to the sword by a massive 216 runs on the County Ground.

With Riaz in top form, aided and abetted by opener Rob Bennett (44) and veteran Steve Luffman (32), Plymouth totted up 288 for six in their 50 overs.

Riaz went at first wicket down after Bennett and Liam Winn had put on 51. A stand of 76 with Luffman was the greatest of the innings.

When time ran out Riaz had helped himself to 16 fours and three sixes from the 131 balls bowled at him.

It was the Pakistani professional’s tenth league ton for Plymouth since he was first engaged by the club at the start of the 2017 season, but not career best. That remains the 163 taken off Bovey Tracey this time last year.

Somerset staffers Nathan Gilchrist (1-51) and Tom Lammonby (0-63) were on the receiving end when Riaz cut loose. Dominic Tuohey was one for 70 off 10. Finn O’Brien (2-33) will have been the happiest of Exeter’s bowlers.

Exeter never recovered from a new-ball battering from Devon paceman Joe Hagan-Burt, who took out the top six one after the other in an eight-over spell.

Hagan-Burt (6-20) had Exeter reeling at 40 for six by the end of the 16th over. 

O’Brien (22) had the lone double-figure score in Exeter’s paltry total of 72 all out – and he was outscored by 26 extras.

Matt Petherbridge (2-12) and Ben Stein (2-6) spun out the bottom half of the order.

It was Plymouth’s fourth league win over Exeter in the last five meetings between the sides and the perfect lift after their opening day defeat by Paignton.

Jon Varcoe, the Plymouth captain, said it was a ‘fantastic team effort’ topped off two outstanding individual performances.

“Faz’s 150 was superb as just hit the ball wherever he liked with such precision,” said Varcoe.

“Joey's opening spell was one of the best I've ever seen in the Devon League. He was quick, aggressive and just ran through the top order. 

“It was a very satisfying win after the disappointment of the first game.”

Losing captain Tom Pedel said Exeter could have helped themselves by being slicker in the field. Overall he had no complaints.

“We dropped a couple of crucial chances in the field, one that would have brought Riaz to the crease to face the new ball, and another when Riaz was on around 40,” said Pedel.

“Our batting wasn't up to scratch although that's not to take anything away from a top bowling performance from Plymouth or Riaz, who batted brilliantly.”