Devon Cricket Board - Holman ton sets-up Exeter for win over North Devon

Holman ton sets-up Exeter for win over North Devon

EXETER are in sight of Premier Division safety after pulling off a 102-run win in the Sandhills over North Devon.
Rob Holman reminded the Devon selectors what he can do with a solid 118 accumulated in three hours and 16 minutes as Exeter made 304 for four.
Holman, an ever-present in Devon’s three-day side last season at the top of the order, has not been part of the county side’s plans this season due to work commitments and has been missed in a difficult season for the county side’s batters.
Skipper Miles Lenygon took four for 63 and George Greenway three for 29 as Exeter removed North Devon for 202 in reply.
With Heathcoat and Paignton both losing, Exeter are now two places and 28 points clear of the danger area.
With 60 points to play for in the last three games – Exeter’s are against Plympton, Heathcoat and Sidmouth – the County Ground outfit are not 110 per cent safe yet.
Lenygon thinks Exeter are almost there, but isn’t sticking his neck out too far.
“Paignton have been close to winning in the last few weeks so I still wouldn't write them off,” said Lenygon.
“Ourselves, Plymouth and Heathcoat are all still very much in danger, so it should make the next few weeks exciting.”
Holman and Barrow (71) put on 152 for the second wicket in 26 overs before spinner Callum French teased out Barrow,
Holman added 47 more with Sean Morris (15) and another 40 with Lenygon (20).
Ayre was the last man out in the 48th over with the score on 281 for five.
No bowler took more than one wicket for North Devon.
North Devon had a job on their hands from the start after dipping to 29 for three with Stef James, Barney Huxtable and Max Curtis all dispatched by Greenway.
French (23) and Quintin Dreyer (84) out up 56 and there was further support for Dreyer from Tom Allin and Rob Ayre in stands of 36 and 49 respectiviely.
Lenygon kept chipping away at the middle order and when Dreyer went the home side were 190 for eight.
Devon paceman Zak Bess (2-17) needed just four balls in his second spell to knock over tail-enders Ricky Kelly and Sam Witheridge to win the game with more than 11 overs unused.
Lenygon felt Exeter could have won by more, but he was hardly complaining.
“It was a great performance, but from where we were at drinks we probably should have got to 330 and finished the game then,” said Lenygon.
“It was such a good pitch we had to bowl and field well still.”
Opposite number Barney Huxtable said his side were second best by a distance.
“Exeter played some great cricket and, if I'm honest, we didn't play anywhere near the cricket we have done this summer,” said Huxtable.
“Holman batted fantastically, not giving a chance, and so did Barrow.
“They taught us and any kids watching a lesson in running between the wickets.
“We didn't turn up in the chase.
One positive for us was how well Dreyer batted. He got 80-odd but deserved a hundred in my eyes.”

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