TORQUAY captain Justin Yau said team-mate Joe Thompson hammered out a claim for Premier player of the season with his quickfire 166 off 116 balls against Sidmouth on Saturday.

Torquay, the outgoing champions, thrashed 2016 kings Sidmouth by 198 runs on the Recreation Ground.

Thompson’s innings formed part of a record-breaking sixth wicket stand of 203 with Nick Watkin (52no).

It was the best score in the top flight this season and gives Thompson a unique double.

Not only has he collected the highest score, his seven wickets for 15 runs against Brixham is the best bowling return of the summer.

“When you remember he won the Devon T20 final against Bradninch with another brutal knock, Joe has to be in with a shout for Devon League player of the year,” said Yau.

“Joe's innings was as brutal as I've ever seen – and against the best bowling attack in the league with four or five County standard bowlers it was a serious effort.

“He currently has the best individual score in the division, the best bowling figures and the third best number of catches.

“Joe is one of the most effective players in the county and I'm sure he will have his chance for Devon with the form he has shown this year.

“We have all known what Joe is capable of and it’s great to see him display it on the best stage right now.”

Yau agreed Torquay were struggling when Watkin went in and stressed there was more to their recovery than Thompson clubbing boundaries.

“Nick was outstanding at the other end, scampering all innings to keep Joe on strike,” said Yau.

“Without Nick I don't think it would have been possible for Joe to play the way he did and he was the perfect foil for him.”

Having got into a commanding position, Yau tried something different by opening up with spinners.

“We know Matt Cooke and Liam Lewis (the Sidmouth openers) love pace on the ball so tried something different,” said Yau.

“Matt Petherbridge and Sach Galhenage bowled brilliantly in the power-play that killed the chase immediately.

“Peths has now reached 20 wickets for the season which shows how consistent and how good a bowler he is for a 17 year old finger spinner.

“He had a tough start initially when he was growing and his trajectory changed a bit but he's battled through it hard, come through the other end and is now bowling as well as ever.”