Davey reprises form that earned him 6,000-plus Premier runs in his heyday | Century takes Ottery to brink of victory

Ottery

NEIL Davey turned back the clock with a match-winning century in Ottery St Mary’s three-wicket win over Exeter 2nd XI.

Davey, who will be 52 in July, clocked up more than 6,000 Premier Division runs for Bovey Tracey then Sandford during 17 summers on the Premier circuit between 1990 and 2004. He scored a few more in the Birmingham League with Kidderminster and for a selection of county second teams during an attempt to break into pro cricket in the early 1990s.

Davey hasn’t played serious cricket for more than a decade, but his been coaching at Ottery St Mary for a while. He has looked good in practice and showed the old run-making technique was still there with 107 that won the match.

By the time Mike Wilkinson spun-out Davey the target was three to win with four wickets in hand and an over to go. Mission accomplished.

Pleased to get the season off to a great start with a win. We fought back well after they got off to a good start with the bat, Jody and Dan brought us control with disciplined bowling.

Alex Clements, the Ottery captain, was at the other end during an opening stand of 97 with Davey and saw close-up what he could do.

“Neil was excellent up top and useful partnerships with myself (27) Harsha Liyanage (21) and Tom Jeacock (24) made it feel we were in control of the chase,” said Clements.

Exeter’s Seb Linnett, a 15-year-old at the opposite end of his career, was a centurion for Exeter in their batting-first total of 225 for five.

Linnett, newly arrived at the County Ground from Teignmouth & Shaldon, carried his bat for 101 not out and put on 107 with Wilkinson at the top of the order and 68 with next man in Patrick Elway (33).

Said Clements: “We fought back well after they got off to a good start with the bat.

“Jody Clements (3-44) and Dan Jeacock (1-39) brought us control with their disciplined bowling.”

HEATHCOAT 2nd XI skipper Toby Lochead hopes his side will have learned some lessons the hard way from a six-wicket defeat at Uplyme & Lyme Regis.

The two sides have entered the division from opposite directions as Heathcoat were relegated into it and Uplyme were promoted from the E Division.

Toby LocheadHeathcoat’s total of 221 for nine – Harry Southgate top scoring on 72 – was knocked-off by Uplyme with more than four overs to spare.

Said Lochead: “We have to learn and not make the same mistakes next week.

“We are a young side and it is a learning curve.

“What I am looking for from the group is to take these experiences and improve because the side has a lot of talent.

“Harry Southgate batted beautifully for 72 and at 16 years old looks incredibly talented.”

Lochead said Heathcoat were ‘at least 30 runs short’ then added: “As batters we have to understand the game situations and adapt accordingly.

“Four of the top six gave their wickets away against a bowling attack and a pitch that wasn't threatening.”

Lochead also said Heathcoat need to be wary of new opposition as they are in unfamiliar territory.”

When you play against a club’s 1st XI in our division you never know what you can come across,” said Lochead.

“Uplyme had an overseas player (Anand Abishek) who came out and struck the ball hard and well, taking the game away from us.

“Bowling 53 extras is never going to win you games.”

Martin Langford (45) got the Uplyme chase moving and Abhishek (68) and skipper Sam Farrow (30no) did most of the rest.

Langford and Abhishek are two new faces Farrow is glad to have on board for the step-up into the C Division.

“Martin and Anand are a couple of great singings,” said Farrow.

“Anand, our overseas player, is an exciting wicketkeeper-batsman from India who's currently an Exeter Uni student.

Martin Langford came to us with experience at Premier and Division One level in the Dorset County League.

“Availability might be an issue from time to time, but we're really excited for a crack at C Division after promotion last year.”