FAIZAN Riaz clattered his fifth Premier Division ton of the season so far in Plymouth’s 32-run win over defending champions Sidmouth.
Liam Winn (65) and Rob Bennett (38) opened up with a stand of 67 then Riaz got stuck into the bowling.
By the time he was dismissed in the penultimate over for exactly 100, Riaz had been involved in stands totally 200. The best was one of 87 for the second wicket with Winn.
Riaz is on 783 league runs for the season and is averaging a whopping 78.13.
Jon Kerridge (21) chipped in to the final Plymouth total of 273 for nine.
Max Hancock spun his way to three for 58 for Sidmouth. Tom Simmons (2-42) was the only bowler operating at less than four an over.
Luke Bess went in first wicket down for Sidmouth at 36 and made 70 in a running total of 185 for five.
Sidmouth skipper Nick Gingell hit seven fours and two sixes in a rapid 67, which wasn’t quite quick enough to keep up with the asking rate.
When Gingell was seventh out to Matt Petherbridge with five overs to go the target was 53 to win and that was too many. Sidmouth were all out for 241.
Wickets were shared with three each for spinners Petherbridge and Kerridge and two for Riaz.
Plymouth, who have now won four on the spin are still fourth in the Premier table. They trail leaders Heathcoat by 33 points.
Although Plymouth are the form side of the division, skipper Jon Varcoe is not getting over-excited about a late run for the title.
“We are definitely looking above us and will keep aiming to win the next game,” said Varcoe.
“We would need teams above us to lose two or three games, but stranger things have happened in cricket.”
On the win over Sidmouth, Varcoe said: “Another great team performance with some good individual showings.
“Faz and Liam batted well and were well supported by others to get us to a good total.
“Our spinners controlled the game once again and made Sidmouth take risks to chase the total.
“I was very impressed by young Ethan Carlisle who bowled very well up front against some dangerous players. He can take a lot of confidence from his performance knowing he is capable of doing it at Premier level.”
