Double Ton Clubber - North Devon's Jay Rothery in front of the scoreboard showing his exploits

NORTH Devon batsmen Jay Rothery and Mark Ansell ran riot for the 3rd XI in their win over Whimple on Westleigh’s ground.

Crash!: Rothery hammered the Whimple attack a double hundred

Bang!: Ansell plundered 80 in a team record stand of 259 for the second wicket

Wallop!: North Devon raced to a divisional record score of 379 for three in just 30 overs.

It was all a bit too much for shell-shocked Whimple, who were bowled out for 117 and lost by 262 runs.

Mark Ansell and Jay Rothery after their record standRothery’s stats were pretty impressive. He got to 50 in 18 deliveries, reached his tin 21 balls later with a six – one of 11 he hit – and had 150 on the board from 63 balls.

The 16-year-old Exeter College student’s 200 came up off 92  balls. He was 220 not out from exactly 100 balls when the innings closed.

Batting partner Ansell, who is also the North Devon CC chairman, said it was a pleasure to be at the other end not just watching the fireworks but playing a part in them.

“The Whimple bowling was pretty good – well it seemed so to me poking away at my end – but Jay’s first 100 was sensational,” said Ansell.

“He gave no chances and hit the ball so cleanly all over the ground - he has an extraordinary range of shots. 

“As Jay got more tired through the innings, he maintained his concentration enough to keep going. 

“It is such a pleasure to see it come good for someone like Jay who is so enthusiastic about cricket. He would play every day given half a chance.”

Ansell said Jay’s father Dave, who was watching the game, could rightly feel proud.

“Dave gives up lots of his time and energy for the club as committee member, membership secretary scorer and player when needed – a real clubman,” said Ansell.

Rothery junior has some ‘previous’ assisting North Devon 3rd XI as he scored 114 for the team against Kentisbeare almost three years ago to the day.

Said Ansell: “Jay had never scored a 50 in any form of cricket before making his maiden century in that game.

“I was at the other end then an as this was only his second big score it seems he must like batting with me.”