EXMOUTH paceman George Greenway boosted his prospects of a full Devon call-up with a four-wicket haul for the Lions in a 159-run win over the Gloucestershire Academy XI.

The Lions – Devon’s development team – hoisted 265 for eight in the 50-over match at Thornbury CC with Ben Beaumont and Adam Small both making half-centuries.

Beaumont made 65 and Small 58 in a stand of 104 for the fourth wicket.

“It was a shame neither Ben nor Adam pushed on to a hundred. but they provided a solid platform for some valuable, lower-order runs from George Greenway (23) and Harry Baxendale (16no), said Tim Western, the Lions programme supremo.

Greenway took two wickets in his first spell as the Academicians were reduced to seven for three, and returned later to knock over two tail-enders for match figures of four 21.

And with Jack Ford spinning out two more, Gloucestershire were all out for 106 with more than 18 overs to go.

A strong Academy side included three contracted players plus others who have played 2nd XI cricket.

Western said the Lions had to be on their toes to take control of the game in the manner they did.

“From the start our bowling and fielding was exceptional with George Greenway and Will Christophers doing the initial damage,” said Western.

“Josh Farley, on his debut for the Devon Lions, took the key wicket of staffer Dominic Goodman (38), who was the only real batsman who looked like a threat.

“It was pleasing to see the intensity of our display continued and we were ruthless in wrapping-up their innings with nearly 19 overs left in the innings.

“Credit also to captain, James Horler, who led the side excellently and marshalled his bowling attack very well.”

The Lions have nearly a month to wait for their next outing, which will be against a Warwickshire side at Sidmouth on June 25.

Said Western: “It is always a tough fixture and provides valuable development experience for our emerging players.”