DAN Pyle thundered a quickfire century that helped steer Exmouth into the Southern Area semi-final of the ECB Twenty20 Cup with a one-wicket win over Wadebridge.

Twenty20 tons don’t come along too often – but even so Pyle’s really was something extra special!

Chasing 203 to win in the regional play-off game at Bridgwater CC, Pyle smashed 107 off just 46 balls. He hit 10 sixes and seven fours taking Exmouth from a standing start to 165 for five.

Pyle warmed-up by taking 14 each off overs from Jamie Beare and James Turpin, 18 more off Matthew Lawrence and 23 off Lachlan Trump to reach his century. 

There were more than seven overs to go when Pyle got out. Not surprisingly, the run rate slowed after he went.

Chip-ins from Ed Butler (16), Fin Marks (10) and George Greenway (10) all added-up to creating a pressure-cooker finish.

Exmouth got down to the last two overs needing nine to win with three wickets intact … and lost two of them narrowing the gap to two runs. Last man Pete Turnbull hit the second ball of the final over for the match-winning four.

Opener Louis Morison earlier signalled Exmouth’s intent from the start by lofting the first two balls of the chase for six.

Marks, the Exmouth captain, said there was a bit more to winning the game than just Dan Pyle’s innings.

“Dan’s innings was outstanding and probably the most incredible thing I have seen on a cricket pitch,” said Marks.

“All the boys were amazing and everybody gave it their all. What a day!”

Wadebridge made 202 for three in their innings, led with half centuries from Matt Rowe (61) and Alex Forward.

Exmouth got to the Area with a routine six-wicket win over Welsh side St Fagan’s in the morning semi. Butler (39) and James Horler (36no) did most of the work chasing 111 to win.

Wadebridge (193-6) were 24-run winners over Somerset side Midsomer Norton (169-6)

Waiting for Exmouth in the next round  on August 24 at Basingstoke CC in Hampshire are Ashmanhaugh & Barton Wanderers (Norfolk). Win that match and Exmouth will face either Three Bridges CC (Sussex) or Wanstead & Snaresbrook (Essex) in the Southern Area final later the same day.

Four area final winners go through to the national finals day in mid-September.