MILES Lenygon helped himself to a century and a few more in Exmouth’s four-wicket win over Hatherleigh.
Lenygon returned to the Maer Ground during the close season after a stint with Exeter, which included three seasons as captain.
All Lenygon has to worry about now is scoring runs – and after making 128 off 92 balls against Hatherleigh it’s Premier Division bowlers who will be worrying too.
Victory, which was clinched with nearly 15 overs to spare, puts Exmouth out on their own at the top of the table by two points from old rivals Exeter.
Sidmouth, who were joint top, slipped up against Heathcoat and are down to third.
Hatherleigh were glad of a patient 53 from Zipo Zondo for reaching 198 for nine in their 50 overs.
Openers Danny Forrester and Rob Fishleigh went cheaply and when Gareth Tidball fell lbw to Bob Dawson the Premier new boys were 73 for three with halfway just around the corner.
Zondo and Ryan Davies (23) put on 41 for the fourth wicket but were finding run scoring hard against Billy Rudolph (2-37), and Dawson (2-44), Andy Buzza (2-40) and David Lye (1-41).
After Zondo also fell to Dawson, Rob Cockwill (30) and Charlie Neilson (24) upped the scoring rate in the last 10 overs.
Exmouth started badly with openers Sandy Allen and Lye both being dismissed by Sean Letheren for five on the board.
Lenygon and Dan Pyle (22) made a 93-run dent in the deficit. By the time Lenygon went the target was 25 to win in 20 overs with six wickets in hand. Buzza (25) got the bulk of them.
Richard Baggs, the Exmouth captain, was quick to tip his hat in Lenygon’s direction.
“Miles was simply awesome - it one of the most brutal hundreds I've seen,” said Baggs.
“He just took them apart and hit the ball as hard as I've seen.
“The last two matches have shown how massively Miles and Buzza have improved since being away.
“Both are really enjoying their cricket. They have always had the game but now are transferring it into the field.
“We have great momentum at the moment and need to carry that on to next week against Plymouth.”
Mark Lake, the Hatherleigh captain, does not feel his side are that far behind the level needed to start winning regularly in the top flight.
“We batted solidly but perhaps were 30 runs short,” said Lake.
“A missed chance when Miles was on zero turned up to be crucial once he was in.
“Miles was brutal and very destructive.
“There were lots of positives to take from a positive performance game.
“We definitely aren't being out-played, which is a big positive, so on to the coming weeks.
