ZACK Vukusic stroked a maiden Premier Division century for Exeter in their 145-run win over relegation worriers Bovey Tracey.

Exeter totted-up 347 for five across 50 overs  on the County Ground with Zack Vukusic leading the way with 116 not out.

Vukusic, who is only 16, hit seven fours and an identical number of sixes during his 111-ball stay. Along the way there was a stand of 71 for the third wicket with Eddie Steele (60), followed straight away by another of 109 with Sam Read (70 off 40 balls).

Wickets were in short supply from a depleted attack as far as Bovey were concerned. Five bowlers took one each. Seb Ansley wasn’t one of them, but his 10 overs for just 34 runs were the best set of figures in the book.

It was always a long-odds chase for Bovey, who soon fell behind the clock and were largely aiming for batting points instead of an outright win.

Musa Twala top scored on 42 and there were a pair of 28s for Tom Andrew and Pete Bradley in Bovey’s all-out reply of 202.

Exeter off-spinner Read (4-26) got into Bovey’s top order. Alex Jarman and Billy Buckingham claimed two wickets each on the way through the batting.

Joe Gore, the Exeter skipper, knew exactly where to start handing out the pats on the back.

“Zach Vukusic showed class and maturity in what was a fantastic century at such a young age, a glimpse of what is to come from him,” said Gore.

“It was awesome to see the lads in the top order go and get good scores.

“It was a brilliant day from us in all aspects – and we are still unbeaten at home.”

Lewis Hammett, who skippered Bovey in the absence through injury of Toby Codd, said: “With a number of bowlers away we always knew it was going to be tough.

“Vukusic batted extremely well – a proper innings that held it together for Exeter – and well deserved his 100. Sam Read was at his brutal best. 

“It is always going to be hard chasing a score like that and no one really got going.”