REUBEN Stanley posted his maiden Devon League Century in Ipplepen’s five-wicket win over B Division strugglers Chudleigh.

Stanley, back with the Pens after a stint at Torquay, was 102 not out when his side reached the 260 needed to send Chudleigh to their fifth defeat of the season.

Chudleigh skipper Matt Heather had already made a century (100) in the game – as did Manroz Bhullar (133). Their third-wicket stand of 204 took the team most of the way to 259 for three. Paul Thomas (2-29) was Pens’ most successful bowler.

Marcus Gadie (24), Nathan Forde (37) and Callum Stanley (30) got Ipplepen to 147 for three. Reuben Stanley – 40 not out at that point – took it the rest of the way.

Matt Beasant, the Ipplepen captain, said there was a bit more to say about the game than Reuben Stanley’s century,

“Chasing 250, you have to be pretty much perfect, which I think we were,” said Beasant. “Every single batter played their role bang-onI.

“Reuben has shown his talent this season – we could all see an innings like this coming – but it really was a special innings. Look forward to seeing more of them.”

Beasant said had Ipplepen been a little more businesslike, and enjoyed the rub of the green at key moments, it could have been an easier victory.

"Take nothing away from Manny and Matt Heather: they both batted fantastically," said Beasant.

"However, we didn't bowl anywhere near our best, and had a very confident appeal for a caught behind turned down when Manny was in the early 20s.

"The way we reacted with the bat and let our cricket do the talking was brilliant."

Opposite number Heather remains confident Chudleigh’s fortunes will improve in time to clamber out of trouble.

“We have a knack for losing games at the moment, which we need to get out of,” said Heather. “After showing we can hit 250-plus, I'm confident that will come soon.”