Harvey and Thompson take tons off Herefordshire at Devon dominate day one | 'Cal put the pressure back on the bowlers instantly and shifted momentum. It was a classy hundred and deserved a lot more' – skipper James Horler

MATT Thompson and Callum Harvey both hit centuries as Devon dominated day one of the Western Division One clash with Herefordshire at Eastnor.

Devon were all out for 362 in the 86th of the 90 overs allowed for a first innings in the Cluberly-sponsored National Counties Championship. Thompson and Harvey put on 149 for the fifth wicket before both were dismissed four balls apart.

Herefordshire were 83 for one 20 overs into their first innings when time ran out. Opener and captain Matt Pardoe was 52 not out.

Thompson is an old hand at making tons for Devon. He made his first against the same opposition at the same venue back in his debut season of 2010, and has now added six more – including one against Berkshire earlier this season.

“Thommo again showed his class with a hundred that tied that innings together,” said James Horler, the Devon captain 

“Having one end tied up for the majority of the 90 overs is a massive help and enables others to be expansive, like Cal.”

The significance and circularity of his latest century was not lost on Thompson, but it wasn’t his main reflection either.

“It was great to come full circle 16 years on and contribute in a similar way,” said Thompson.

“Callum Harvey batted superbly for the first of many hundreds to come, but there's plenty to do to take a grip of this game.

“Only be worth it if we can make it part of a winning performance.”

Harvey’s ton was his first for Devon – and what a ton it was! He hit 13 fours and five sixes on his way to reaching a ton off 75 balls. 

“Cal showed what his capable off with a destructive 100," said Horler. “Coming in after two quick wickets had fallen, Cal put the pressure back on the bowlers instantly and shifted momentum. “It was a classy hundred and deserved a lot more.”

Three deliveries after reaching three figures by hitting Ollie Walker for four, Harvey (101) was dismissed Roshan Venkataraman. The stand between Harvey and Thompson had ended at the start of the same over when the latter was bowled by Venkataraman.

Dust will be blown off record books while the match is in progress to see if Harvey’s Championship ton is the quickest by balls faced. It’s not a record county club archivist Peter Langford has been asked for before!

Day one was more than just the Thompson-Harvey show, although they certainly took centre stage.

Skipper Horler set a target of all four batting bonus points going into the game as table-topping Devon chase their second Western Division title in three seasons. Horler (34), Elliot Hamilton (27) and Lawrence Walker (36) all played a part achieving that aim.

Seamer Venkataraman with five for 105 and Walker (3-24) were the leading Herefordshire wicket takers.

Horler was mildly disappointed not to have a greater first-innings lead ­– Devon’s last four only added 28 before being bowled out early – but otherwise content.

“All in all a good day’s cricket,” said Horler. Good to win the toss on what seemed like a batting friendly wicket, short boundary one side and quick outfield. 

“Disappointing to not kick-on past 360, but Hereford bowled well after tea. 

“It was good to take an early wicket on a pitch that isn't massively seamer friendly. 

“Overall, contented with a good day’s cricket, looking to be patient and consistent on day two, to chip away at their top order and pile the pressure on when we get a chance.”