Torquay skipper crooning after 145-run win over Barton | "It was a real team performance where we strung together two convincing halves for the first time this season' – Tom Drake

Torquay

JINIV Joshi reeled off an unbeaten century to put Torquay on target for a whopping 145-run win over Barton in the A Division derby at Cricketfield Road.

The 34-year-old Indian, who plays First Class cricket in Sri Lanka, helped himself to an unbeaten 121 in a Torquay total of 280 for four.

After Tim Western (43) and Chris Kelmere (23) made early runs for Torquay, Joshi laid into the Barton bowling. He hit 10 fours and five sixes during a 107-ball stay. Jono Colegate (32no) shared an unbroken fifth-wicket stand of 123 with Joshi late in the day.

Stuart Bowker (1-39) was one of the few Barton bowlers to avoid Joshi’s lash.

Barton were never in the hunt after sliding from 39 for two to 60 for six under stress from Colegate (2-29) and Torquay skipper Tom Drake (3-16).

Steve Lewis made 19 against his former Torquay team-mates and the lower order showed some stickability with Morgan Harford (24) going on to top score.

Harford was one of three wickets claimed by Torquay left-armer Harry Baxendale to hasten Barton’s demise.

No Barton batter made more than the 30 extras Torquay gave away in a final total of 135 all out.

Winning captain Drake said it was not just the size of the win but the manner of it that had him crooning.

“It was a real team performance where we strung together two convincing halves for the first time this season. 

“We batted in partnerships to build a solid total and it was great to see scores from almost all of the batsmen who batted. A perfectly sculpted century from Jiniv was a huge highlight.

“We bowled with a game plan and backed this up well in the field. It was great to get bowlers some quality overs in and for them to show intent and desire to want more overs, dots and wickets. 

“It was especially nice to see Harry Baxendale and other bowlers find some form and rhythm with the ball.”

Adam Parker, the Barton captain, said: “It was a really bad day at the office for us.

“We didn't perform with the bat or ball, which was massively disappointing. 

“Weed to pick ourselves up and bounce back against Thorverton.”

Torquay face what Drake described as ‘different challenge’ when they entertain early leaders Budleigh Salterton.”