Hayter slams quickfire ton in Bideford win over Barnstaple & Pilton

BIDEFORD’S James Hayter warmed-up for the season ahead with a quickfire ton that paved the way for a 48-run win over Barnstaple & Pilton.

The Tolchards Devon League season may be more than two weeks away, but there is no time like the present for getting some match practice in.

Hayter flailed the B&P bowling for 102 off 83 balls with eight fours and four sixes in the mix.

Along the way to a total of 230 for seven in 40 overs there were stands of 90 with Ollie Hannam (33) and 76 with veteran James Ford (47),

Hayter reached his century by biffing Joe Hastie for a four and promptly retired to give others some batting time. Next man in Tom Stone didn’t take advantage as he was out first ball!

On a good day all round for the Hayter family, Julian made 25 at run-a-ball rate lower down the order.

Jimmer Thomas, back at B&P after a stint with North Devon, and George Elnaugh had two wickets each for the visitors.

Six an over to win was always going to be a tall order for B&P after they stumbled to 38 for four then 50 for six in reply, Ben Gifford (3-29) was mainly responsible.

Hastie (45) and Tim Norton with a bright-and-breezy 31 off 19 balls got B&P up to 182 for nine before their overs ran out.

Wickets were shared with Gifford’s three topped up by two each for Steve Bond and Jake Cleave.