ARCHIE Farkins proved he is one to watch out for in years to come with a stand-out performance for Paignton in their 52-run win over South Devon in the Brockman Cup final at Torquay.
Fifteen-year-old Farkins, a Devon age-group player, stroked 57 in Paignton’s 20-over total of 156 for five.
South Devon’s hopes of victory were dashed by Farkins taking four of their wickets for seven runs as they slid from 85 for four to 104 all out with three overs to go.
No wonder man-of-the-match adjudicator Erik Gregersen, the captain of Chelston & Kingskerswell CC, picked the young all-rounder to receive the Bill Stanbury Trophy.
There could be no argument about the result as South Devon were outplayed in virtually every department.
Farkins, who opened up with Luke Medlock, was the glue that held Paignton’s innings together. By the time he was fifth out in the 19th of the 20 overs available, the total was 137 for one.
Cole Harford got on with it to rap a quickfire 33 off 29 balls. Spinner Rob Stephens (2-18 off 4) was easily South Devon’s best bowler.
South Devon were in the game at 51 for two with John Purchese (28) and Liam Price (14) looking good and still in with a shout at 78 for three with Harry Senior (20) getting going.
Farkins removed Purchese in his first over and after that South Devon started to slew.
Spinner Rory Medlock (2-20) got in on the act as well as South Devon went into free fall to 104 all out.
Paignton 156-5 (A Farkins 57, C Harford 33no; R Stephens 2-18), South Devon 104 (J Purchese 28, H Senior 20; A Farkins 4-7, R Medlock 2-20).