RYAN Hunter played his part in Sandford’s 29-run win over Exeter with a maiden century in the Tolchards DCL Premier Division.

The University of Exeter student, in his second season with Sandford, hit 12 fours and three sixes from 97 balls received om his way to 107 not out.

Hunter, a former Ireland under-19 international, completed his ton with a flourish. He was on 90 not out at the start of the last over from Josh Nott, which cost 22 runs. His ton arrived with a fourth-ball six.

Ryan Glass made 47 and opener Harry Southgate (23) in Sandford’s 50-over total of 280 for seven. Twenty-nine wides helped.

Exeter were right up with the asking rate at the halfway stage with 148 for three on the board thanks largely to the efforts of Ollie Gribble (53), Seb Linnitt (26) and Sam Read (39no).

Jackson Thompson made the breakthrough Sandford needed when he removed Read, who had reached 51 by then.

Losing four wickets getting from 177 for four to 193 for seven killed Exeter’s hopes. Cameron Fraser finished unbeaten on 84 in an all-out product of 251.

Thompson, Matt Jeacock, James Theedom and Jamie Palmer claimed two wickets each for the winners.

Jon Lewis-Oliver, the Exeter captain, had no difficulty pinpointing what went wrong.

“Sandford got away from us in the last 20 overs of their innings,” said Lewis-Oliver. “We were well on top for the first 30,but then it slipped away. 

“Three dropped catches in the space of two overs contributed to Sandford probably scoring 40 more than we should have let them.”