DEVON Lions were mauled by 248 runs by Exeter University’s 1st XI in a one-sided encounter on the County Ground.
Skipper Luke Matthews and Tom Massey both made centuries as the Students piled up 342 for four in 50 overs.
Matthews, who plays Minor Counties cricket for Dorset, scored 137 off 131 balls with 10 fours and five sixes.
Massey had nine fours and for sixes in exactly 100 – not bad for a lad who claims hockey as his first sport.
Joe Hagan-Burt and Jack Gibbs had two wickets each – the rest of the bowlers took none for plenty.
Devon were bowled out for 104 in reply – Dan Wolf (38) and Billy Rudolph (26) having the best of a sorry set of scores.
Sasha Barras removed Wolf and Rudolph on his way to figures of five for 22.
Max Mannering (2-7) mopped up at the end as Devon’s last five wickets fell for four runs in a ball more than four overs.
Tim Western, the Lions’ director of coaching, said the team failed to perform consistently to the standard required.
“It was a disappointing performance below what we expect from our emerging players,” said Western.
“Matthews and Massey benefited from inconsistent bowling and took their opportunities.
“We didn't put enough balls in the right areas and were punished.
“It was tough for captain, Toby Codd, when the bowlers gave him little control.”
Western said despite the high score posted by the University, there were positive signs from a number of the bowlers.
“Matt Petherbridge bowled well for his 10 overs (0-43) and opening bowlers Joe Hagan-Burt and Jack Gibbs were unlucky not to take more wickets,” said Western.
“Dan Wolf and Billy Rudolph put together a promising partnership but they went in quick succession and a weak finish to our innings saw the last seven wickets go for only 27 runs.”
Western said he would make some allowance for players being out on grass for the first time.
However, he added: “It was disappointing the batters didn't apply themselves and use the innings to gain valuable time on grass.
It is all part of the learning process and it is up to the players to reflect on their performance and bounce back.”
The Students move on to play Solent University on Wednesday then meet Somerset 2nd XI at Taunton Vale on Thursday
University of Exeter 342-4 (L W Matthews 137, T M O Massey 100; J H Gibbs 2-65, J O Hagan-Burt 2-50), Devon 104 (D J Wolf 38, B L Rudolph 26; A D P Barras 5-22, S J Lawson 2-17, M T G Mannering 2-7). University bt Devon by 248 runs.
