BRIXHAM’S Chris Sleep smashed one record and almost certainly helped break another as the Brockman Cup holders stormed into this year’s final with a 121-run demolition job on Babbacombe.
Big-hitter Sleep, man of the match when Brixham defeated Kingskerswell in last season’s final, crashed a record-breaking 138 in a whopping total of 213 for five in the semi-final at Torquay Recreation Ground.
Sleep’s knock, which contained 12 fours and nine sixes, was the highest individual score in the 76-year history of the competition.
Only two centuries have been scored before: Ray Haydock (102) for Torquay against Ipplepen in 1978 and ex-Torquay United soccer player Dave Smith (101) for St Marychurch against Ipplepen in 1978.
Brixham’s team total is almost certainly a new record, unless any Brockman Cup veterans out there know differently.
The previous best in the record book is the 169 for three scored by St Marychurch against Wellswood in 1973 final. However, not every game played over 75 years has been recorded for posterity.
Sleep was promoted to open the innings by skipper Wes Fowler, only to see opening partner Andy Hawkes out to the first ball of the match.
Sleep started to dominate proceedings as Brixham reached 71 for 2 at the end of the 8th over, when Chris Johnson was stumped for 14.
Sleep and Fowler added 140 runs for the third wicket off the next 63 balls before the youngster was caught in the deep in the penultimate over attempting his 10th six. Fowler scored 34.
Babbacombe were soon in trouble at 16 for six in reply against seamers Craig Eaves (3-15) and Lee Upham (3-11).
Nick Sleeman compiled an unbeaten 41 as Babbacombe finished on 92 for seven.
Brixham 213-5 (C Sleep 138, W Fowler 34), Babbacombe 92-7 (N Sleeman 41no, L Upham 3-11, C Eaves 3-15). Brixham bt Babbacombe by 121 runs.