IPPLEPEN continue to set the pace in the C Division West following a predictable 120-run win over bottom side Hatherleigh 2nd XI.
That’s five wins in as many completed games for the Pens, who have a 22-point lead over Kingsbridge in the top two.
Ipplepen opener Toby Holroyd batted from start to finish for 98 not out in a 24-over team total of 204 for four. Along the way were stands of 60 with captain Sam Wakeham (44) and 80 unbroken with Warrick Green, who propped an end up for nine!
Holroyd did some serious damage to the Hatherleigh bowlers in the final five overs. Carl Downes went for 14 in an eight-ball over, and 12 in his next one, Cameron Rowlands went for 24 in two overs and Jamie Nielson was whacked for 17 at the end in an unsuccessful attempt to reach three figures.
Hatherleigh were all out for 84 with an over to go. Greg Solkin opened with 18, Jack Probert made 16 in the middle order and Jerry O’Donoghue added 15 down the order.
George Tapley (2-19) did the early damage with the ball; Joe Parker (3-12) got into the middle order and Green (2-11) wiped out the tail.
Skipper Wakeham said it had been worth waiting for conditions to improve to get the game played, especially as none of the teams right behind Ipplepen started.
Wakeham is clearly happy to be out in front a third of the way into the season, but with Chudleigh (3rd) and Kingsbridge (2nd) coming up remains pragmatic.
“It is going really well, but there is still a lot of cricket to play this season,” said Wakeham.
“We have a couple of big games coming up before the half way point, so it will be good to get another couple of wins.
“Lots of players are making contributions, which is great to see.”
