Seaton's Joel Seward, who scored an unbeaten century against Cullompton

CULLOMPTON gave leaders Seaton a run for their money before conceding a seven-run defeat.

Joel Seward struck nine fours and four sixes on his way to an unbeaten 111 in Seaton’s total of 223 for five.

Seward went in at 21 for two and put on 48 with Brian Cann (17), 62 with Daley Holmes (31) and 60 with skipper Ben Morgan (14no).

Cully bowlers Brendon Parr (1-19) and Jake Diennes (1-30) bowled nine tidy overs each.

Cully hearts probably sank when Pakistani run machine Jamal Anwar was third out on 50 for a modest 29.

Daley Holmes - turned game Seaton's wayBrendon Parr (62) and Sam Franks (63) compiled a stand of 99 and at 196 for five it was Cully in the driving seat. Then Parr was bowled reverse-sweeping Daley Holmes and the balance shifted.

Twenty-one to win from the last two overs proved to many and with Holmes (5-29) picking up wickets Cully closed on 216 for eight.

Ben Morgan, the Seaton captain, said the game was every bit as close as it looked.

“It was a very good game between two good sides,” said Morgan.

“We had to battle through a tricky first 30 overs with the bat then, with wickets in hand, pushed on in the last 15 thanks mainly to a superb hundred by Joel. 

“Brendon and Sam Franks batted superbly for them and once we got them we knew the game was ours.”

No one likes losing a close game, but Cully skipper Jason Parr was objective in his post-match summing up.

“I thought we bowled and fielded very well to restrict Seaton for the first 35 overs,” said Parr.

“Joel's hundred was an exceptional knock and the way he struck the ball in the last 10 overs got Seaton up to a decent total. 

“I was very impressed with the way Brendon and Sam Franks batted in the run chase to get us close.

“A very good last two overs from Daley Holmes stopped us getting over the line. 

“It was an enjoyable game that looked like it could go either way throughout. 

“Definitely a lot more positives for us to take this week.”

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